WTA Rouen: Elina Svitolina vs Anhelina Kalinina

WTA Rouen: Elina Svitolina vs Anhelina Kalinina – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

Elina Svitolina
🧱 Back in rhythm: Since returning to action in 2023, Svitolina has steadily rebuilt her form. She's 14–6 in 2025 and has already posted strong results in Indian Wells and Miami.
🎯 Solid start in Rouen: She kicked off her campaign with a routine win over Jil Teichmann, backing up her Billie Jean King Cup form from the previous weekend.
🌱 Experienced on clay: 142 career wins on clay, with a Roland Garros QF as recently as 2023 and a title in Strasbourg last year.
💪 Mentally strong record: Comes into this match with a commanding 3–0 head-to-head against Kalinina, including a recent straight-sets win at the US Open.

Anhelina Kalinina
🔁 Trying to find her groove: Kalinina reached the Rouen SF last year, but her 2025 season has been turbulent (8–10 overall, 1–1 on clay).
⚡ Up-and-down season: While she’s beaten players like Saville and McNally, losses to mid-tier opponents like Bronzetti and Parks show she hasn't found consistency.
🩹 Physical issues linger: Kalinina has battled various injuries in recent years, and while her baseline game is strong on clay, her fitness remains a concern in longer matches.
⚔️ Struggles vs Svitolina: Has taken just one set in three meetings, most recently losing 6-1, 6-2 at the 2024 US Open.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Svitolina is one of the most dependable players when it comes to structure, point construction, and mental toughness. While her recent titles have come on faster surfaces, her game—compact backhand, solid defense, and movement—translates well to clay.

Kalinina can pose a challenge with her topspin-heavy forehand and clay-court experience, but her recent form suggests she’s vulnerable, especially when asked to match a player with Svitolina’s defensive consistency and fitness level.

The Ukrainian No. 1 should be able to control the tempo here, force errors from Kalinina in longer rallies, and exploit her recent physical uncertainty. Expect a competitive start but a gradually widening gap as the match progresses.

🔮 Prediction

Kalinina might hold early, but Svitolina’s control and superior movement should eventually wear her down. Given the H2H history and surface form, this feels like another straight-sets result.