Barbora Krejcikova will kick off her season with a match against Anna Kalinskaya at the WTA Adelaide International and that won’t be an easy task at all. The Russian was one of the most in-form players in October/November of last year and she seems to be continuing that upward trajectory. We also look at the rest of the day’s matches in a separate article. Who do you think will win?
WTA Adelaide Day 1 Predictions
Anhelina Kalinina vs Marta Kostyuk
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 1-0
It’s been almost five years since these two played each other at an ITF event in Torun and now they’re both inside the top 50. Marta Kostyuk was just 16 at the time of their only prior encounter, but was already considered a massive prospect back then. She’s kind of stagnated along the way, but is always one of these players who might have a breakout result waiting for them just around the corner. Against Anhelina Kalinina she should still possess the power advantage and also isn’t quite as mercurial as her compatriot.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Head-to-head: Pavlyuchenkova 1-0
They faced each other fairly recently with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova claiming a three-set win in Hong Kong. The Russian had a rough time in her first match of the season against Amanda Anisimova, but has since picked up two wins in the qualifying here. This should be an exciting matchup again with Beatriz Haddad Maia coming off a decent showing at the United Cup where she only got blown off the court by Iga Swiatek (but who didn’t?). Pavlyuchenkova has already pulled this off once and has a more threatening game when she’s on.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Anna Kalinskaya vs Barbora Krejcikova
Head-to-head: Kalinskaya 1-0
Anna Kalinskaya finished the 2023 season on such a high note, making the final at the WTA 125 in Tampico and claiming the title in Midland. It’s still early days but she’s already following that up as well with just the one loss to Victoria Azarenka so far. Meanwhile, Barbora Krejcikova will kick off her season with this match and hasn’t been competing since the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Kalinskaya still has some untapped potential and with the match rhythm she’s in right now, she should have a solid chance at getting the upset.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
