A remake of Adélaïde!

Victoria Mboko embodies the new guard of Canadian tennis. Under the guidance of Nathalie Tauziat, she has learned to channel her natural power to become a top-level player capable of competing with the best. Off the court, she cultivates a very serene image by practicing yoga and design, which helps her stay calm when storms hit on court. Across the net, Anna Kalinskaya is living the most successful period of her career. Long hampered by physical issues, the Russian has found remarkable stability and a brand of tennis with such technical purity that it delights purists. She comes in with valuable experience and an ability to never panic, no matter the opponent.

The anecdote from Victoria’s previous match is very telling of her current form. While she seemed to be struggling on serve, she managed to produce completely untouchable serves precisely at the moments when her opponent had break points. This ability to raise her level under pressure is the hallmark of great players. The match-up between the two is a fascinating clash of styles. Victoria generates phenomenal weight of shot, with the ball tending to explode after the bounce on this specific Indian Wells surface. Anna, for her part, looks to take the ball very early to use her opponent’s pace and counter with her very precise flat shots.

The problem for the Russian lies in the high bounce in the desert, which often forces her to hit above her comfort zone. If Victoria manages to impose her forehand topspin, Anna risks exhausting herself defending far behind the baseline. Anna is a competitor who rarely gives up her matches easily and will be difficult to maneuver because of her experience. In any case, more difficult than Birell. She remains remarkably calm and fully in the present moment, which is a major strength.

Their last match this year went the Canadian’s way by just two points in a third-set tiebreak!