Miami Open 2022: Sofia Kenin vs Anhelina Kalinina preview, head-to-head & prediction 

Match details

Fixture: (WC) Sofia Kenin vs Anhelina Kalinina

Tournament: Miami Open

Round: First round (Round of 128)

Venue: Miami, Florida, USA

Category: WTA 1000

Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt

Prize money: $8,584,055

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video

Sofia Kenin vs Anhelina Kalinina preview

Sofia Kenin will open her 2022 Miami Open campaign against Anhelina Kalinina in the first round.

Kenin, who was awarded a wildcard into the tournament, is looking for her first win since the season-opening Adelaide International back in January. The American has suffered five consecutive opening-round exits and finds herself ranked outside the top 100.

Kalinina at the BNP Paribas Open.

Kalinina, for her part, has also made a slow start to the season. The Ukrainian scored a big win over Sorana Cirstea in Adelaide, but has suffered early exits in all her main draw appearances since.

That said, Kalinina has managed to hold her own against the likes of Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula, both of whom she has pushed to three sets this year. Against an out-of-form Sofia Kenin, the 25-year-old will be sensing an opportunity to score a big win.

Sofia Kenin vs Anhelina Kalinina head-to-head

Kenin leads Kalinina in their current head-to-head by a 2-1 margin. The two met thrice in 2017 -- all on hardcourt -- with Kenin winning on two occasions.

Sofia Kenin vs Anhelina Kalinina prediction

Kenin has lost five consecutive matches.

Neither player comes into the contest with a lot of confidence, although Kalinina has played some decent tennis in recent months, stacking up wins on the ITF circuit before making her first WTA tour final in July last year. She currently sits at a near-career-high of No. 51 in the rankings.

The Ukrainian possesses a solid baseline game that is well suited for hardcourt. Her backhand has proven to be a potent weapon and against a rusty Sofia Kenin, she will step out looking to take control.

Kenin's woes began during her title defense at the Australian Open last year and she has since looked a pale shadow of the player who won the title Down Under. The American's groundstrokes have lost precision and depth while her serve has become increasingly vulnerable.

Kenin does play a steady brand of tennis that can often wear opponents down. However, unless she can stay consistent, which she has struggled to do so far this year, Kalinina will find a way to outmuscle her from the baseline.

Prediction: Kalinina to win in three sets