Anhelina KALININA takes advantage of Aryna SABALENKA’s fluctuations, storms into Miami Open fourth round

WTA
Sunday, 24 March 2024 at 04:51
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Anhelina Kalinina (No. 36) secures a remarkable victory over Aryna Sabalenka (No. 2) with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 win, advancing to the fourth round of the Miami Open. The Ukrainian player, who previously overcame a tough challenge against former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, achieved the biggest win of her career, marking her fourth victory over a top-10 player.
In the first set, Sabalenka initiated her trademark aggressive play from the baseline and quickly took a 2-0 lead with a break. However, errors crept into her game, allowing Kalinina to secure two consecutive breaks and lead 3-2.
Despite the Belarusian recovering one break, she succumbed to pressure once again, failing to hold her serve for the third time, ultimately conceding the set to Kalinina, 6-4. The Ukrainian prevented Sabalenka from finding her rhythm comfortably, resulting in 24 unforced errors and 16 winners for Sabalenka in the first set.
In the second set, Sabalenka regained control of the match by securing a break in the fourth game. Seizing the opportunity, she aggressively attacked her opponent and claimed five consecutive games to take the set convincingly, 6-1, in just 37 minutes. Sabalenka showcased an impressive 79% first-serve percentage, winning 74% of those points and capturing 55% of return points before forcing the match into a decisive third set.
The third set saw Sabalenka plagued by errors once again, as she alternated between powerful winners and uncharacteristic unforced errors. Anhelina Kalinina capitalized on Sabalenka's struggles, securing two consecutive breaks to surge ahead 4-0 against a frustrated Sabalenka. Although Sabalenka managed to recover one break, she ultimately couldn't mount a comeback.
Kalinina clinched the victory 6-4, 1-6, 6-1, leaving the Belarusian visibly frustrated, evident in her racket-smashing reaction after the defeat. In the fourth round, Kalinina will face Yulia Putintseva (No. 68), who defeated Greet Minnen (No. 79) 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

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