Anhelina Kalinina (Image Credit: #AusOpen - Twitter)
27th seed Anhelina Kalinina faces Czech sensation Linda Fruhvirtova in the round of 64 of the 2023 Indian Wells on Friday.
The 17-year-old had an impressive campaign in the Australian Open. She made it to the fourth round with wins against Jaimee Fourlis, Kimberly Birrell, and Marketa Vondrousova. Her run ended with a loss to Donna Vekic but Fruhvirtova still showed her talent in that match, winning the second set comprehensively. Before Indian Wells, Fruhvirtova played in the Dubai Tennis Championships. She picked up a relatively comfortable win in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 against Danielle Collins. In the following round, she was ousted by Jelena Ostapenko.
Fruhvirtova faced Mayar Sherif in the round of 128 in Indian Wells. The youngster was bageled in the first set by the Egyptian player. However, Fruhvirtova made a sparkling comeback to beat Sherif 0-6, 6-2, 6-3. This memorable comeback win would have surely increased Fruhvirotva’s confidence and it will only hold her in good stead going forward.
The Ukrainian star had her standout performance in Hobart this season. She made it to the quarterfinals with wins against Rebecca Marino and Tatjana Maria. Kalinina lost to Sofia Kenin in the quarterfinals. In the Australian Open, Kalinina was ousted in the third round by Barbora Krejcikova. Kalinina picked up an impressive win against 15th seed Petra Kvitova in the second round.
Prior to Indian Wells, Kalinina took part in the Dubai Tennis Championships. She defeated Veronika Kudermetova and compatriot Dayana Yastremska in the first couple of rounds before going down to Karolina Pliskova in the round of 16.
This will be the first meeting between Anhelina Kalinina and Linda Fruhvirtova and therefore, the head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 0-0.
Prediction: Linda Fruhvirtova to win in three sets.
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