RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State women’s tennis is now one for one in sending Olympians to the gold medal match.

Diana Shnaider already earned the distinction of the first Wolfpack women’s tennis Olympian by making it to Paris. She continued to make the most of that opportunity by clinching a spot on the podium in women’s doubles, advancing to the gold medal match in Paris Friday.

The Russian phenom continues to make waves in her young career. Shnaider entered these Olympics less than a month removed from advancing to the round of 32 in both singles and doubles at Wimbeldon, her best Grand Slam finish to date. She ranks No. 65 in the WTA’s doubles rankings, highest placement of her career so far. She and doubles partner Mirra Andreeva (No. 95) look to continue that success in the gold match medal.

She and Mirra Andreeva punched their ticket to the final match by defeating Spanish duo Cristina Busca and Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals. Shnaider and Andreeva will go for gold against Italian titans Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the historic Roland Garros Sunday morning. Errani and Paolini rank No. 16 and 15, respectively, in the world in doubles. Paolini already boasts two Grand Slam finals appearances this year, making it to the women’s singles final at Wimbeldon and the French Open.

The gold medal showdown will follow the bronze medal match which begins at 6:30 a.m. ET. 

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