Shnaider reveals how Dinara Safina's 'escape' went

Fernando Murciego | 11 May 2025 | 11.30

Diana Shnaider loses her coach in Rome. Source: Getty

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The combination of Diana Shnaider and Dinara Safina in the women's circuit lasted a month. Two days ago, it was announced that the 21-year-old player and the 39-year-old coach would not continue collaborating at this WTA 1000 event in Rome, an unexpected decision that required an explanation. The outlet Championat was able to interview Shnaider after her third-round victory over Jaqueline Cristian to seek some accurate information, as many newspapers have ventured to provide their own version. These were the words of the current World No. 11.

"Everything happened spontaneously, right after the match in Madrid with Iga Swiatek, Dinara told me that she wouldn't come with me to Rome. It was a decision solely hers. Once in Rome, I wrote to her to know what the conditions would be from now on, how we would continue the work, but she told me that she no longer considered any kind of collaboration. What can I do? It happened like that, it was Dinara's decision; on my part, I respect and accept it. I will prepare for the next tournament and look for some new options. I don’t know what Dinara plans to do next, if she will work with someone else or step away from coaching, but I wish her luck in whatever she does," Diana pointed out after turning the page.

But what is the real reason for this premature separation? According to some Russian media, the crux of the problem could be the player's parents. "There will always be people who release any kind of information, even if it's wrong. I don't know where people get the idea that my parents take all my money, that I live without money, or that I can't afford a coach. I am very scrupulous when it comes to this issue; even when I was under age, no one took my money, you don't even know how much I have in the account," Zhiguliovsk replied firmly.

"My parents don't say anything to me about this issue, but it's very unpleasant to have to hear certain things. They put everything into making things go well for me, so they are a little sad about all this. It hurts a lot to read these things about my parents, people who claim that they steal all my money, it's disgusting. In fact, I have a great relationship with them; my parents are my support. I wish everyone had a relationship with their parents like mine," Shnaider concluded on a topic that has gained momentum lately, with many journalists asserting it's the main reason she's struggling to find a stable environment.

FOCUSING ON THE POSITIVE

With a 13-11 record this season, we all knew how challenging this season was going to be for Shnaider, already among the best and obliged to make a leap in quality to avoid stepping back. So far, she hasn't achieved three consecutive victories in any of the tournaments she has played, but this could change this week in Rome if she manages to beat the Belgian Elise Mertens in the round of 16. Before that, Diana deflects questions about her relationship with Safina, asserting that this month working with her has helped her learn many things that will surely benefit her in the future.

"There's nothing negative between us; although it was a very short period, the truth is that it was very productive. Dinara did many things for me. She helped me work with my negative emotions, to maintain concentration, to focus throughout the match despite adverse conditions, even when you are losing. We worked a lot on all these aspects, so I am very grateful for how she shared all her experience with me. Despite this short period of time, surely some fruits of our joint work will be seen," she appreciated.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shnaider revela cómo fue la "fuga" de Dinara Safina