Magda Linette has been turning heads at Cincinnati’s WTA 1000 event, kicking off her campaign with a doubles win alongside Clara Tauson before cooling off with a strong singles showing.
In the opening doubles match, Linette and Tauson defeated Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls in a tight three-set battle, 4-6, 6-2, 10-7. The following day, Linette continued her strong form in singles, edging Rebecca Sramkova in a match that featured a first-set tiebreak before Linette pulled away in the second for a 7-6(4), 6-0 victory.
Late into the night (Polish time), Linette began her third-round solo challenge against Jessica Pegula. The first set again went Linette’s way in a tiebreak, but Pegula bounced back to claim the second set. A weather delay paused the match for several hours, and when play resumed, Linette surged to take the final set 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-3, advancing to the Round of 16.
In theory, Linette could have faced her doubles partner Tauson in the next round, as Tauson battled Veronika Kudermetova for a spot in the quarterfinals. Kudermetova clawed back from a 3-0 deficit in the second-set tiebreak after Tauson reported back troubles, and after nearly three hours of rain interruptions, Kudermetova completed the win 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. That result sets Kudermetova as Linette’s opponent in the Round of 16, with the winner earning a berth in the quarterfinals against Ella Seidel or Varvara Gracheva.
Doubles news also came through a withdrawal: Linette and Tauson gave their quarterfinal hopes a walkover, bowing out of the doubles competition due to Tauson’s health issues. Errani and Paolini advanced without a fight.
What this means going forward: Linette’s form in Cincinnati remains solid, showing resilience in a long Pegula match and handling a weather-interrupted schedule with composure. The Round of 16 against Kudermetova promises to be a tough test, and a win would put Linette in the quarterfinals against Seidel or Gracheva. Polish fans can be hopeful as Linette aims for another deep run on the big stage.
Summary: Magda Linette continues to build momentum at Cincinnati, confirming singles form and maintaining a competitive edge despite weather delays and a doubles withdrawal. Her upcoming clash with Veronika Kudermetova could be pivotal in her bid for at least a deep run into the later rounds.