🎾 WTA Rouen: Kalinina vs Hibino

🎾 WTA Rouen: Kalinina vs Hibino – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇺🇦 Anhelina Kalinina

• 🔢 Ranking: World No. 65
• 📉 2025 Record: 7–10 overall (0–1 on clay)
• 📍 Rouen history: Semifinalist in 2024
• 💪 Surface edge: Powerful ground game well-suited to indoor clay
• ⚔️ WTA battle-tested: Recent 3-set matches vs Azarenka & McNally show high-level competitiveness

🇯🇵 Nao Hibino

• 🔢 Ranking: World No. 216
• 🔥 2025 Record: 11–10 overall (4–3 on clay)
• 🚀 Qualifying momentum: Wins over Smith and Mansouri to reach R1
• 🏆 Veteran edge: Over 700 professional matches & 3 WTA titles
• 🧠 Smart clay game: Tactical player with solid consistency and composure

🔍 Match Breakdown

Kalinina enters as the clear favorite with higher ranking and a deeper game from the baseline. Her heavy strokes, especially off the backhand side, should give her control if she finds rhythm early.

But Hibino’s recent clay results and match sharpness from qualifying can’t be ignored. She’s playing freely, using angles well, and has enough experience to expose Kalinina if the Ukrainian is off rhythm or passive early.

This match may come down to Kalinina’s ability to keep Hibino on the back foot and avoid extended exchanges where Hibino's consistency could turn the tide.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Anhelina Kalinina in 3 sets

Expect a slow start from Kalinina, but her class and power should shine through in the end. Hibino could keep it close with her form and court craft, but Kalinina’s weapons give her the edge indoors.