Swiatek set to meet Kalinskaya in Cincinnati Open quarterfinals on Center Court
Iga Swiatek eyes a straight-forward path to another deep run at the Cincinnati Open, but she’ll face a stern early test Friday when she squares off with Anna Kalinskaya in the first quarterfinal on Center Court. Swiatek, the world No. 3 and reigning Wimbledon champion, advanced to the last eight with two straight-set wins and a walkover, yet she has yet to experience a true challenge this week. Kalinskaya, ranked No. 34, promises to change that.
Kalinskaya comes into the match with momentum from Cincinnati after beating Peyton Stearns, Amanda Anisimova and Ekaterina Alexandrova, following a strong showing in Washington where she finished runner-up at the DC Open. The former world No. 11 is known for taking down top-10 opponents — including Swiatek — and her ability to outlast opponents suggests durability will be a key factor in this clash.
Kalinskaya’s game centers on aggressive returns and flat baseline drives. If she can attack Swiatek’s second serve and pin her behind the baseline, she could disrupt Swiatek’s rhythm and force a real examination of Swiatek’s form. Fans will remember Kalinskaya’s Dubai upset in which she grabbed an early lead and kept Swiatek under pressure with patient, proactive play. If she can sustain that level over two sets, an upset is not out of the question.
Head-to-head records show Kalinskaya leads Swiatek 1-0, thanks to a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the 2024 Dubai semifinals. That memory may serve as motivation for Kalinskaya, while Swiatek will be aiming to flip the script this time around.
Prediction: Swiatek in three tight sets. Kalinskaya will likely come out aggressive and may seize the first set, pushing Swiatek into a tight battle decided by a handful of pivotal points. Swiatek’s movement and mid-match adjustments, however, should give her the edge in the end.
How to watch
The Swiatek–Kalinskaya match is expected to start around 11:00 AM Eastern on Center Court at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. It will air live on Tennis Channel, with a live-stream option available on the Tennis Channel app and website. A standalone Tennis Channel streaming subscription is available for $9.99 per month or $109.99 per year.
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio
Court: Center Court
TV: Tennis Channel
Streaming: Tennis Channel app and websit