Miami Open 2023: Kalinina vs Kenin Prediction, Odds & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Miami Open first-round match featuring Anhelina Kalinina vs Sofia Kenin on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Anhelina Kalinina vs Sofia Kenin Match Preview

Anhelina Kalinina will be looking to avenge her loss to Sofia Kenin from earlier this season. But with the American slowly finding her feet in 2023, this could be a tough one for the Ukranian. So who will reach the Miami Open third round?

Anhelina Kalinina sits at a career-high #28 this week, posting some strong results on hard courts. Considering this is not even Kalinina’s best surface, we can only envisage the Ukranian going further up the rankings next month when the clay swing begins. Nonetheless, Kalinina will be looking to sign off the North American hard courts with a deep run at the Miami Open. Last year she reached the second week in Florida, before retiring against Jessica Pegula in the fourth round.

Sofia Kenin won her first-round match at the 2023 Miami Open, dominating Australia’s Storm Hunter en route to a 6-0, 7-6 victory. That was Kenin’s seventh win of the season and is now just three shy from matching her total of 2022. The American has reached the third round in Miami twice in her career but will need a big scalp on Friday to do against the 28th seed Anhelina Kalinina.

Anhelina Kalinina vs Sofia Kenin Prediction and Pick

Sofia Kenin leads Anhelina Kalinina 3-2 in their head-to-head. At Tour level, it is 1-0 Kenin with the American winning their quarterfinal match in Hobart in three sets. After years of injury torment, Kenin has got a second wind and is playing much better tennis this year. But at the same time, Kalinina has been equally impressive on her least favorite surface. Kenin will give her best shot, but siding with the Ukranian is a smart choice here.