In an exciting quarterfinal matchup at the 2025 Hong Kong Open, sixth-seeded Anna Kalinskaya is set to take on third-seeded Victoria Mboko. Both players come into this clash with contrasting seasons and substantial momentum.
Anna Kalinskaya has experienced a mixed 2025 season, holding a 25-20 win-loss record. She showcased her potential with a runner-up finish in Washington, marking it as her best performance of the year. At the Hong Kong Open, Kalinskaya began strongly with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Kamila Rakhimova and followed it up with a resounding 6-1, 6-1 win against Zhang Shuai in the second round. Her performance has highlighted her solid serving, winning 71% of her first serve points, although her second serve has been less reliable, with a 38% win rate.
Victoria Mboko, on the other hand, has emerged as a standout player this season. The young Canadian made headlines by winning the WTA 1000 title at her home event in Montreal, where she defeated notable players such as Naomi Osaka in the final. Additionally, she has excelled on the ITF Tour this year, securing five titles. At the Hong Kong Open, Mboko began her campaign with a tightly contested win over Talia Gibson, ending with a score of 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-4, and then fought through another challenging match against Alexandra Eala, completing a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. Notably, her success has been bolstered by a 56% breakpoint conversion rate, allowing her to consistently rally from difficult positions.
This upcoming match marks the first encounter between Kalinskaya and Mboko, with both players looking to make their mark against each other. Kalinskaya, with experience in reaching two Tour-level finals on hard courts, including her recent performance, will rely on her strong serving and ability to convert breakpoints effectively. Meanwhile, Mboko’s season-long form and recent title victories give her a confident edge.
As both players prepare for this crucial clash on October 31, 2025, at Victoria Park in Hong Kong, the anticipation builds. With Kalinskaya playing consistent tennis, especially in the current tournament, she has been deemed the slight favorite. Predictions lean toward a competitive match, with a forecast of Kalinskaya edging Mboko in three sets, underscoring the exciting unpredictability of tennis at this level.