Watch: 'I think they are drunk or something': Anna Kalinskaya requests umpire to remove drunk fans during Cincinnati win

Alexandrova takes early advantage

The opening set of the Cincinnati clash between Anna Kalinskaya and Ekaterina Alexandrova saw the latter dominate both on serve and in key return points. On first-serve points, Alexandrova won 81% (17/21), whereas Kalinskaya managed just 67% (12/18), indicating that the Russian challenger struggled to capitalize on her own serves.

Returning served as a significant challenge for Kalinskaya. Alexandrova won 33% of first-return points and 50% of second-return points, allowing her to convert one of two break-point opportunities. Kalinskaya, conversely, struggled on returns, winning only 19% of first-return points. Overall, the first set lasted 34 minutes and illustrated Alexandrova’s dominance in both serve and return games. Kalinskaya’s initial struggles were compounded by her inability to consistently win points on return, leaving her trailing 3-6 at the first changeover.

Kalinskaya levels the encounter in a tight serve-dominated battle

The second set between Anna Kalinskaya and Ekaterina Alexandrova proved to be a tense, evenly matched affair, dominated by strong serving from both players. Kalinskaya showed resilience under pressure, winning 85% of her first serve points, surpassing Alexandrova’s 77%. After 58 minutes of high-quality tennis, Kalinskaya secured the second set 7-6, pushing the match into a decisive third set.

Anna dominates to take the decisive set

The final set saw Anna Kalinskaya take control of the match with a commanding performance, capitalizing on weaknesses in Ekaterina Alexandrova’s serve and converting key opportunities on return. Second serves proved to be the difference where Kalinskaya won 47% versus Alexandrova’s meager 18%. This decider lasted 46 minutes, with Kalinskaya winning six of the seven games played, including a streak of four consecutive games, decisively swinging momentum in her favor.

With this hard-fought victory, Anna Kalinskaya advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face world number 3 Iga Swiatek. Kalinskaya holds a 1-0 head-to-head record against Swiatek, having defeated her 6-4, 6-4 in the Dubai semifinals last year. That previous win demonstrates Kalinskaya’s ability to challenge top-ranked opponents and could give her confidence heading into this high-stakes encounter.

Nevertheless, as the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Kalinskaya’s next match, where she will aim to carry the momentum from this victory and perhaps avoid any further off-court interruptions. Her composure under pressure, both on and off the court, emphasises why she remains a player to watch in Cincinnati and beyond.