Anhelina Kalinina’s remarkable comeback against Caroline Wozniacki at the Miami Open on Thursday showcased the Ukrainian’s resilience and determination. Trailing 5-7, 5-4, and facing a match point, Kalinina rallied to win the final five games of the second set and ultimately triumph 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.
Wozniacki, a former world number one who retired in 2020, returned to tennis last year after giving birth to two children. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in Indian Wells earlier this month, she was forced to retire against Iga Swiatek due to a foot injury.
In other women’s matches, Beatriz Haddad Maia overcame a slow start to defeat Diane Parry 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, while Katie Boulter advanced when Brenda Fruhvirtova retired from their match. Maria Sakkari, Taylor Townsend, Anna Kalinskaya, and Madison Keys also secured victories.
On the men’s side, Kei Nishikori’s return to the ATP Tour after a lengthy absence ended in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Sebastian Ofner. The 12-time ATP Tour champion admitted to feeling the difference between practice and match play.
Felix-Auger Aliassime, a Canadian hardcourt specialist, defeated Adam Walton 7-5, 6-4. The 32 seeded players received first-round byes, with Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed in the women’s draw, set to face Paula Badosa on Friday.
