The 2025 Australian Open concluded on a high note, with Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner claiming the coveted titles. Over two thrilling weeks, fans were treated to intense action as the world’s top players fought for glory. However, one notable absentee from the tournament was Anna Kalinskaya, who had to withdraw at the last minute due to a virus. Now, the Russian star is back to full fitness and is making her return to action at the WTA 250 Singapore Tennis Open.

Kalinskaya has her sights set on a strong run in Singapore, where she will face Swiss talent Simona Waltert in a round-of-16 clash. It’s shaping up to be an exciting encounter, with Kalinskaya eager to secure her first title of the season. Fans will be watching closely to see if she can pick up where she left off and make a big statement in 2025.

Anna Kalinskaya vs. Simona Waltert: Preview

Anna Kalinskaya is the top seed in Singapore and the favorite to win the title. With the Australian Open ending just last week, top players are missing in action there and it is a golden opportunity for Kalinskaya to prevail in Singapore. However, she didn’t have the easiest of matches in the first round, as she had to dig deep against Caroline Dolehide but managed to prevail in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Interestingly, it was also Kalinskaya’s first singles win of the season and she would look to carry on the momentum in her upcoming matches.

On the other hand, Simona Waltert has primarily competed in lower-tier tournaments and on the ITF Tour. At the Australian Open, she entered through the qualifying rounds but was eliminated in the opening round, failing to secure a spot in the main draw. One of her standout results came at the WTA 125 Canberra International, where she reached the quarterfinals.

With that performance as motivation, Waltert will be looking to build on her recent form and deliver a confident display against Kalinskaya in their upcoming round-of-16 clash in Singapore. It promises to be an exciting matchup as both players look to make a statement in the new season.

Kalinskaya vs Waltert: Head-to-head stats

While Kalinskaya has played on the WTA Tour consistently, Waltert has switched between the WTA Tour and the ITF circuit throughout her career. As a result, the two haven’t faced each other yet and the second-round clash between Kalinskaya and Waltert will be their maiden contest against each other. Thus, expect some surprises when the two face each other tomorrow.

Prediction: Kalinskaya to prevail in straight sets

The Russian star had a glorious 2024 season and that enabled her to make it to the top 20 of the WTA rankings. Kalinskaya is currently placed in the 18th spot after dropping some places due to her Australian Open absence. On the other hand, Waltert is lying outside the top 150 and is placed in the 179th position.

Additionally, Kalinskaya has been strong on the second serve, both while serving as well as returning. This is a unique trait not seen among many players on the WTA Tour. During her first-round win over Dolehide, Kalinskaya won 65.4% of the points on her second serve and 66.7% of the points on the second serve while returning.

Thus, she is expected to notch up a comfortable win over Waltert in straight sets on the Center Court tomorrow. Do you agree with our pick? Let us know in the comment section below!