Anhelina Kalinina faced a tough situation on Thursday during the Miami Open when she was close to losing to former top-ranked player Caroline Wozniacki, who needed just one more point to win in straight sets.
However, the No. 32-seeded Ukrainian didn’t give up. She saved that crucial match point and went on to win the last five games of the second set, securing a 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 victory in the second round.
Wozniacki, who won the Australian Open in 2018 and retired from tennis two years later, made a comeback last year after taking time off to have two children. Although she reached the quarterfinals in Indian Wells this month, she had to retire from the match against top-ranked Iga Świątek due to a right foot problem.
Beatriz Haddad Maia, seeded No. 11, also faced a slow start in the hot and humid conditions but managed to come back to defeat Diane Parry 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. It was Maia’s first career victory in three attempts against Parry, who had won both previous matches on clay.
In other women’s matches, Katie Boulter (No. 24) advanced when Brenda Fruhvirtova retired from their match while trailing 7-6(5), 1-0; Maria Sakkari (No. 8) beat Yuan Yue 6-2, 6-2; Taylor Townsend defeated Elise Mertens (No. 25) 6-2, 6-2; Anna Kalinskaya (No. 22) beat Wang Xiyu 6-2, 6-2; and Madison Keys (17th seed) defeated Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-4.
In men’s action, 2016 finalist Kei Nishikori lost 6-3, 6-4 to Sebastian Ofner in his first match at this level since Indian Wells in 2021. Nishikori, a 12-time ATP Tour champion who once reached fourth in the rankings, was competing in his first ATP Tour event since Atlanta in 2023.
Reflecting on his performance, Nishikori mentioned the difference between practice and matches, noting that nerves can affect players’ performance.
Canadian hardcourt specialist Felix-Auger Aliassime also won his early match, defeating Adam Walton 7-5, 6-4.
The 32-seed players had received first-round byes, and Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed in the women’s draw, is expected to play her opening match against Paula Badosa on Friday.
