Elena Rybakina vs Diana Shnaider Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Rybakina to continue Stuttgart winning streak

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Thu 16 Apr 2026 01:06

Andrew Hendrie 16 Apr 2026

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Elena Rybakina vs Diana Shnaider predictions for Thursday's WTA Stuttgart R2
Rybakina in sizzling form with 32 wins in last 37 matches
Shnaider with a poor 1-13 record vs top 10 players
The match is scheduled to start around 1.00am AEST on Friday April 17

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Elena Rybakina (Photo by Getty Images)

Elena Rybakina vs Diana Shnaider Tips, Prediction & Live Stream

World No. 2 Elena Rybakina begins her pursuit of a second Stuttgart title when she squares off against Diana Shnaider in the second round on Thursday.

Elena Rybakina vs Diana Shnaider Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Rybakina vs Shnaider Stats & Trends
Rybakina vs Shnaider Head To Head
Elena Rybakina Form Analysis
Diana Shnaider Form Analysis
Rybakina vs Shnaider Live Stream

After enjoying an opening round bye, Rybakina officially launches her clay swing and will be hoping to translate her spectacular hardcourt form over to the dirt. Rybakina has won 32 of her last 37 matches dating back to the end of last season and has fond memories of Stuttgart, winning the title in her last appearance at the tournament in 2024.

Meanwhile, Shnaider hasn't really been able to take that next step in her career after peaking at No. 11 in the world last year - and that's evident through her record against the top 10, which currently stands at 1-13. You can't expect to join that group of players if you can't beat them, simple as that.

It's Rybakina's first outing on clay for the season, so there could be some rust, while Shnaider's already got a match under her belt in Stuttgart and also played in Charleston. I'm a bit tempted to take the value on offer for Rybakina to win in three, but she's been very dominant against players outside the top 10 lately and with Shnaider's struggles against the game's elite, it's probably more likely she gets the job done in straights.

Rybakina vs Shnaider Stats & Trends

Rybakina has won 32 of her last 37 matches
Rybakina is 15-3 vs players outside the top 10 in 2026
Thirteen of those 15 wins have been in straight sets
Rybakina has won her last four Stuttgart matches
Shnaider has lost 13 of her 14 previous matches vs top 10 players
Seven of those 13 defeats have come in straight sets

Rybakina vs Shnaider Head To Head

This will be the first career meeting between the pair.

Elena Rybakina Form Analysis

2026 Record: 21-5
WTA Stuttgart Record: 6-2
Current Ranking: No. 2
Career-High Ranking: No. 2 (March 2026)

After a disappointing couple of years, Rybakina suddenly recaptured her best tennis towards the end of last year, winning the Ningbo title before reigning supreme at the WTA Finals.

Rybakina has maintained that resurgent level throughout 2026, winning her second major title at the Australian Open, along with reaching the final in Indian Wells and semi-finals in Miami.

Those results have propelled Rybakina to a career-high ranking of No. 2 as she looks to continue that form into the European clay swing.

Rybakina is undefeated in Stuttgart since 2023 after claiming the 2024 edition of the tournament, beating the likes of Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini along the way.

Diana Shnaider Form Analysis

2026 Record: 11-8
WTA Stuttgart Record: 2-2
Current Ranking: No. 19
Career-High Ranking: No. 11 (2025)

Shnaider was on the brink of breaking into the world's top 10 midway through last year, but her form has dipped over the better part of the last 12 months and now she's clawing onto a spot in the top 20.

The 22-year-old had a decent start to the season with a semi-final showing in Adelaide and third round finish at the Australian Open.

However, Shnaider couldn't win back-to-back matches across Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami in a disappointing end to her hardcourt swing.

Shnaider managed to make the quarter-finals on the green clay of Charleston before running into eventual champion Jessica Pegula, while she was a dominant 6-3 6-1 winner over Tamara Korpatsch in her Stuttgart opener.