🎾 WTA Charleston: Li vs Blinkova – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🟨 Ann Li

• 🪂 Momentum halted: After reaching the Singapore final, Li has dropped three straight matches—all in tight three-setters.
• ⚡ Promising 2024: Four finals this year (125k & WTA level) prove her potential, despite recent slide.
• 🇺🇸 American comfort: Prefers hard courts but needs a quick clay adjustment here.

🟥 Anna Blinkova

• 📈 Steady form: Made it past R1 in 7 of 8 tournaments this year; solid 2025 rhythm.
• 🏆 Recent wins: QFs in Austin and Cluj, 3R in Miami (beat Diana Shnaider).
• 🌿 Charleston experience: 3rd main draw appearance; seeking deeper run after 2R in 2023.
• 🤝 Head-to-head edge: Leads 3–0 over Li—all wins in the U.S., including Macon final.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Li’s aggressive style thrives when she dictates play early, but her recent form raises questions. Blinkova, on the other hand, is confident, consistent, and has already beaten Li multiple times—although never on clay.

The slower conditions could actually favor Blinkova, giving her more time to engage in long rallies and capitalize on any errors. Li must stay proactive and clean if she hopes to reverse the trend.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Blinkova in 3 sets

Li will compete hard, but Blinkova’s consistency, surface adaptability, and head-to-head success make her the more reliable pick in this one.