Anna Kalinskaya and Amanda Anisimova are set to clash in a highly anticipated third-round match at the Cincinnati Open this afternoon, in what promises to be a compelling battle between two aggressive baseliners.
Anisimova, the world No. 8, is enjoying a breakout season. The 23-year-old captured her first WTA 1000 title in Doha, reached the Wimbledon final, and has climbed to a career-high ranking. She now aims to add more significant trophies to her collection and secure her first Grand Slam title.
Her opponent, Kalinskaya, enters the match with renewed confidence after a strong run to the final at last month’s DC Open, where she defeated Magda Linette, Clara Tauson, and Emma Raducanu. Currently ranked No. 34, the former world No. 11 is rebuilding her momentum after a right thigh injury and other fitness setbacks hampered the start of her season. She has already notched impressive wins over top Americans Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys this year.
Anisimova holds a 1-0 lead in their head-to-head record, winning their only previous meeting at the 2024 Toronto Masters after Kalinskaya retired with an injury. Anisimova is favored to win in two tight sets, as her powerful return game and experience in high-stakes matches should give her an edge over Kalinskaya’s formidable but sometimes streaky baseline play.
The match is scheduled to begin around 3:00 PM Eastern on the Grandstand court at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, following the conclusion of Frances Tiafoe’s match against Ugo Humbert. Viewers can watch the live broadcast on the Tennis Channel, with streaming available on the Tennis Channel app, its website, and potentially on the free T2 Channel via Amazon Prime Video.
Source link
