NATIONAL BANK OPEN

August 8, 2026

Diana Shnaider

Press Conference

D. SHNAIDER/J. Pegula

6-3, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Diana, congratulations. Just talk about your singles match first, and what do you think worked well for you today.

DIANA SHNAIDER: Yeah, overall super happy with my first win against Jess. We had couple tough matches and tough losses for myself recently.

I feel like today overall was very tricky and tough conditions with the wind. I think what I did great today was just keeping my emotions under control. There was no negative emotions, and I was just there going point by point.

Then I feel like just, yeah, trying to use the wind as an advantage. Then, just adjusting myself as much as I can, and, yeah, working my feet, staying low on the ball, and then just trying to make as less unforced mistakes as I can.

THE MODERATOR: Questions?

Q. You just played Jess a week ago. Did you look back, before the match today, did you look at that match from Washington and make some notes and make some adjustments because it was so recent?

DIANA SHNAIDER: I mean, I didn't, like, look for the whole match. I had it already in my memory. I knew what to expect.

Yeah, we talked a little bit with the coach. Overall, I played good against Jess last week. I feel like it was just a painful loss, just being 5-2 up in the first set and didn't close it.

I think today just, yeah, I knew what to expect from Jess. I knew how to play because obviously I was leading in the first set.

But then, yeah, I feel like it was more today about the mental part. Just staying in the moment and don't, like, thinking about the previous matches and, like, the future and all that stuff.

Obviously a new tournament, new week, and different conditions, again, with the wind. So definitely a different scenario today.

Q. Following up on that, I know that head-to-head hasn't been the greatest until today. We often hear players say, Oh, it's a new day, a new that. But in your mind were you like, I'm not going to lose this match today, just given you lost last week, and two years ago she beat you here?

DIANA SHNAIDER: No, well, I don't think I had that in my mind that, Oh, today is going to be the day that I'm finally beating Jess. I don't think I have that.

I think I kind of expected that it was going to be a tough match, that I would need to grind, that it's not going to be easy. Because, yeah, Jess is not that type of player who is just going to let you win. Like, she's going to be there doing all she can. That's what makes her a very tough opponent. That's why she's world No. 3.

So, yeah, I feel like I just knew kind of that I need to just be there, staying low, and just kind of knew what I have to do, and I knew what to expect from her.

Q. Talking about the final, I think, four games, two breaks to go on that win of consecutive games. What led to that? And also, following up on playing against the wind, how were you able to read that on court?

DIANA SHNAIDER: Yeah, I feel like breaking Jess's serve was, that was not on my list today (laughing).

Yeah, I was super happy with my returns. I think a little bit with my return positions, I discussed a little bit with Sascha, like mid match, so it helped staying a little bit more back.

I feel like, yeah, again, it was very tough with the wind. I just feel like I was just trying, you know, to kind of understand where the wind was blowing, which way was harder, which was not.

Just trying to kind of, again, going point by point, and then just we'll see how it goes.

I feel like I kind of knew that she has a good serve, so I was, like, I think more focused on my own serve. And then just, if I would have an opportunity, for sure I would kind of have to use it and just, like, grab it.

Q. Talking about match point, I know the net cord can be common there. Curious, you've obviously probably been on the recipient end of any unfortunate net cords. But I'm curious, have you ever felt bad about a net cord? I guess it just happens, but like...

DIANA SHNAIDER: No, for sure it's not the way that you want to finish the match. So, for sure I feel like all the time I feel bad, especially if it's a match point or like a big point.

I was like super frustrated. I had a break point, then it was Jess, and then net cord. So, I mean, it happens.

I feel like it's pure luck, honestly. I think that's why in my mind it's a good way, like sportsmanship, to say I'm sorry. Because it can go back on my side, but it can also go on her side, so you never know. It's like a 50/50 chance.

But, yeah, definitely I think it's better to make a winner than having a net cord winner (laughing).

Q. Last time you were in Toronto you got to the semifinals, this time to the quarters. Is there something about playing here in Toronto that brings out the best in your game?

DIANA SHNAIDER: Yeah, so far, so good (laughing). I'm enjoying myself in Toronto. I feel like courts overall, like, suits my game pretty well here.

But, yeah, I love Toronto. I was looking forward to come back here. It's only my second time, but, yeah, definitely I like the courts here. I like the crowd, super supportive. So, yeah, some nice memories and I hope just to keep going.

Q. Pretty quick turnaround between the singles and the doubles. After you get a big win like that in singles, does that give you the boost to get through that doubles without feeling too tired?

DIANA SHNAIDER: Yeah, I was actually very pumped. I was very surprised at myself. I had a lot of energy in doubles.

There was some crazy points in doubles as well. Yeah, a lot of fun. With Elise, it was good doubles, so, yeah, enjoyed it, and was full of energy.