The 2025 Western & Southern Open, also known as the Cincinnati Open, is one of the most prestigious events on the WTA Tour calendar and a crucial stop on the hard-court swing leading up to the US Open. This year’s tournament has already served up dramatic storylines, surprise upsets, and compelling matchups. Among them is the highly anticipated Round of 32 clash between Anna Kalinskaya, ranked 34th in the world, and Amanda Anisimova, ranked 8th.
On paper, this is a battle between a dangerous floater capable of upsetting top players and a rising star firmly established among the game’s elite. The stakes are high: victory here not only means progression to the last 16 but also important ranking points and confidence ahead of the season’s final Grand Slam.
Tournament Background
The Western & Southern Open is played on outdoor hard courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. As part of the WTA 1000 series, it attracts virtually every top player, making the draw extremely competitive. The tournament is known for testing players’ physical and mental resilience: the hot, humid Midwestern conditions often play a role in match outcomes.
For both Kalinskaya and Anisimova, this match serves as a significant test in the early rounds. Anisimova, riding a wave of career-best form, is looking to cement her hard-court dominance, while Kalinskaya, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season, is eager to break through against a top-10 opponent.
Path to the Third Round
Anna Kalinskaya
Kalinskaya entered the tournament with mixed results on hard courts this year. In her opening match, she faced American Peyton Stearns in what turned out to be a physically and mentally demanding encounter. Kalinskaya displayed grit, coming back from a set down to win in three sets. Her baseline consistency and ability to change pace were crucial, but the match also exposed occasional lapses in focus — something she can ill afford against Anisimova.
Amanda Anisimova
Anisimova’s path to the Round of 32 was less taxing — in fact, she didn’t have to hit a ball in the second round. Her scheduled opponent, France’s Léolia Jeanjean, withdrew due to injury. This walkover means Anisimova arrives in the third round well-rested and without the physical wear and tear of a full match, which could prove decisive in Cincinnati’s demanding conditions.
Head-to-Head History
These two have met only once before, at the 2024 Toronto Open. That encounter ended prematurely when Kalinskaya was forced to retire after losing the first set 6–2. While the sample size is small, the match did reveal that Anisimova was able to dictate play and control the tempo, using her aggressive baseline game to force errors.
Though retirements make head-to-head records somewhat inconclusive, the psychological edge likely rests with Anisimova. She knows she’s capable of breaking down Kalinskaya’s defenses, while Kalinskaya will be eager to prove that the Toronto result was not a fair reflection of her capabilities.
Player Profiles
Anna Kalinskaya — The Unpredictable Shot-Maker
Kalinskaya is one of those players who can catch fire on any given day. When she’s in form, she hits with remarkable timing, particularly on her backhand side, and she can open up the court with creative shot placement. Her recent run to the final in Washington demonstrated her ability to string together strong performances against quality opponents.
However, inconsistency remains her Achilles heel. On hard courts this year, she’s hovered around a .500 win-loss record, often alternating between impressive victories and puzzling defeats. Against Anisimova, she’ll need to avoid lapses in concentration and maintain high first-serve percentages to prevent her opponent from stepping inside the baseline and dictating rallies.
Strengths:
- Solid two-handed backhand with the ability to hit down the line effectively
- Variety in shot-making, capable of mixing pace and spin
- Resilience in long rallies
Weaknesses:
- Streaky form — can follow great performances with subpar outings
- Vulnerable second serve under pressure
- Prone to lapses in mental focus during crucial games
Amanda Anisimova — The Confident Power Player
Amanda Anisimova has enjoyed a career-best season in 2025. She captured her first WTA 1000 title in Doha, reached the final at Wimbledon, and climbed into the top 10 for the first time. At just 23 years old, her powerful groundstrokes and fearless mentality make her a threat to anyone on the tour.
Anisimova thrives on hard courts, where her flat, penetrating shots skid through the surface. Her forehand is a weapon capable of finishing points from both neutral and attacking positions, while her backhand — arguably one of the best in the women’s game — allows her to change direction effortlessly.
Strengths:
- Heavy, penetrating groundstrokes off both wings
- Calm under pressure, proven in big matches
- Excellent anticipation and court positioning
- Strong return game, especially against second serves
Weaknesses:
- Occasionally overhits, leading to unforced errors
- Can be vulnerable against players who take pace off and disrupt rhythm
Statistical Comparison
| Statistic | Kalinskaya (2025) | Anisimova (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| First Serve % | 62% | 65% |
| First Serve Points Won | 67% | 71% |
| Break Points Saved | 54% | 60% |
| Return Points Won | 42% | 47% |
| Hard Court Record | 10–10 | 18–6 |
| Top 10 Wins | 1 | 5 |
These numbers highlight Anisimova’s greater consistency and effectiveness in key areas, particularly in serve and return metrics. Kalinskaya will need to elevate her performance above her season averages to stand a realistic chance.
Betting Odds and Market Insights
Different sportsbooks have posted fairly consistent lines for this matchup:
- FanDuel: Anisimova –260, Kalinskaya +194
- Bleacher Nation: Anisimova –235, Kalinskaya +180
- PickDawgz: Anisimova –250, Kalinskaya +194
- Dimers.com Win Probability: Anisimova 68%, Kalinskaya 32%
The market consensus is clear: Anisimova is the strong favorite. The implied probabilities from these odds suggest that bettors and oddsmakers alike believe Anisimova’s current form, rest advantage, and matchup history give her a notable edge.
Tactical Keys to the Match
For Kalinskaya:
- Serve Consistency — She must keep her first serve percentage above 65% to limit Anisimova’s attacking opportunities on second serve.
- Vary the Pace — Using slices, high topspin, and short angles could disrupt Anisimova’s rhythm.
- Target the Forehand Early — While Anisimova’s forehand is a weapon, it can misfire under pressure; pushing her wide early in rallies could draw errors.
For Anisimova:
- First Strike Tennis — Step inside the baseline and dictate points early to prevent Kalinskaya from settling into rallies.
- Exploit the Second Serve — Look to attack Kalinskaya’s weaker second delivery with aggressive returns.
- Maintain Patience — Avoid over-pressing; Kalinskaya can bait opponents into going for too much.
Intangibles
One key factor in this match could be the rest differential. Anisimova’s walkover in the previous round means she comes in fresh, while Kalinskaya had to battle through a physically draining three-setter. In Cincinnati’s humid August conditions, that freshness could translate into better movement and energy late in the match.
Another consideration is confidence. Anisimova has beaten multiple top players this year, including wins over Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka. She’s used to performing under big-match pressure, whereas Kalinskaya has yet to post a deep run at a WTA 1000 event this season.
Prediction
While Kalinskaya is more than capable of producing flashes of brilliance, the overall matchup favors Anisimova. The American’s superior hard-court record, firepower from the baseline, and rest advantage tilt the odds heavily in her favor. If Anisimova plays within herself and avoids unnecessary risk, she should control proceedings.
Prediction:
Amanda Anisimova to win in straight sets (6–3, 6–4).
Likely Duration: Around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Betting Lean: Anisimova –1.5 sets, or Under 21.5 total games.
Conclusion
The 2025 Western & Southern Open continues to deliver enticing early-round matchups, and this clash between Anna Kalinskaya and Amanda Anisimova is no exception. For Kalinskaya, it’s an opportunity to make a statement by taking down a top-10 player. For Anisimova, it’s a chance to maintain momentum and edge closer to another deep run at a major WTA event.
Everything points toward a controlled, confident display from Anisimova, who should have the tools to neutralize Kalinskaya’s threat. Still, as tennis fans know, matches aren’t played on paper — and if Kalinskaya catches fire, we could be in for a surprise.
