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Match Details
Fixture: (10) Anna Kalinskaya vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Date: October 9, 2024
Tournament: Wuhan Open 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, China
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $3,221,715
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Anna Kalinskaya vs Ekaterina Alexandrova preview
Compatriots Anna Kalinskaya and Ekaterina Alexandrova will clash in the second round of the Wuhan Open 2024.
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Kalinskaya had a strong start to the season as she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. It marked her first Major appearance at that stage. She then advanced to her maiden WTA 1000 final in Dubai, and lost to Jasmine Paolini in three sets.
Kalinskaya also progressed to the fourth round of the Miami Open, the China Open, and Wimbledon. She finished as the runner-up to Jessica Pegula in Berlin, and lost yet another three-set tussle for the title.
Following her fourth-round finish in Beijing last week, Kalinskaya attained a new career-high of No. 13 in the rankings. She started her campaign in Wuhan with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 win over Anna Bondar.
A win over World No. 1 Iga Swiatek en route to the Miami Open semifinals remains a highlight of Alexandrova's season thus far. She had a disappointing turn at the Majors, with a third-round showing at the US Open being her best result.
Alexandrova was up against former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in her opener in Wuhan. The Russian claimed the first set with ease, and dropped only one game in it.
Kenin raised her level to seize the second set and push the match to a deciding set. The final set was a nail-biter until the end. Alexandrova broke her opponent's serve in the 10th game of the match to seal a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win.
Anna Kalinskaya vs Ekaterina Alexandrova head-to-head
Alexandrova leads Kalinskaya 5-0 in the head-to-head. She won their previous encounter at last year's Japan Open in three sets.
Anna Kalinskaya vs Ekaterina Alexandrova odds
(Odds are sourced from BetMGM)
Anna Kalinskaya vs Ekaterina Alexandrova prediction
Kalinskaya didn't face too many hurdles in her opener against Bondar. Alexandrova, on the other hand, was challenged by Kenin, and dug deep to secure a win.
This is a must-win match for Kalinskaya to keep afloat her slim chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals. However, given her losing record against her fellow countrywoman, this is going to be a tall order for her.
Kalinskaya lost her first four matches against Alexandrova in straight sets. She pushed her compatriot to three sets in Tokyo last year but came up short in the end. However, this has been a breakthrough season for the 25-year-old, and could be her best opportunity to record a win over her rival.
Kalinskaya has a better win-loss record this season compared to Alexandrova. While the former has been outhit by the latter in all of their previous matches, she could finally turn the tide in her favor given her results this year.
Pick: Anna Kalinskaya to win in three sets.
