Sorana Cirstea overcomes a first-set deficit to defeat Anna Kalinskaya 6-7, 6-1, 5-0 (ret.) on Champion’s Court, booking her place in the Cincinnati Open round of 16.
Introduction:
Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea staged an impressive comeback to advance to the round of 16 at the Cincinnati Open on Champion’s Court. After dropping a tight opening set, Cirstea elevated her game to dominate the contest against Anna Kalinskaya, who was forced to retire in the decider with the scoreline reading 6-7(4), 6-1, 5-0.
Kalinskaya Edges Tight Opening Set
The match began with a fierce baseline duel as both players searched for early rhythm. Kalinskaya used her clean ball-striking and depth from the back of the court to keep Cirstea under pressure, while the Romanian relied on her trademark flat groundstrokes to stay level.
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With neither player giving an inch on serve, the set proceeded into a tense tiebreak. Kalinskaya held her nerve during the crucial moments, hitting precise winners to claim the tiebreak 7-4 and take the first set.
Cirstea Storms Back in Second Set
Refusing to let the contest slip away, Cirstea responded with ruthless aggression in the second set. She stepped inside the baseline, stepped up her return game, and punished Kalinskaya’s second serves.
Finding sharp angles and commanding the rallies, Cirstea broke early and never looked back. She reeled off consecutive games with clinical precision, taking the second set 6-1 in dominant fashion to level the match.
Injury Halts Decider as Cirstea Advances
Cirstea maintained complete control in the final set, overpowering Kalinskaya with deep returns and relentless pace. As Kalinskaya began to struggle physically with movement and discomfort, Cirstea surged to a commanding 5-0 lead. Unable to continue, Kalinskaya retired, sending Cirstea into the next round.
The victory secures Cirstea a spot in the Cincinnati round of 16, continuing her fine hard-court campaign ahead of the upcoming US Open.