Ningbo Open 2024: Karolina Muchova sets up Mirra Andreeva clash after gruelling Kalinskaya win
Karolina Muchova will compete against Mirra Andreeva for a place in the final of the Ningbo Open, having rallied from a set down to overcome Anna Kalinskaya in a tough match.
Muchova, one of the top players since her return in June, faced a challenging test against Kalinskaya, who has reached the top 12 but has struggled with inconsistencies. Despite this, Muchova’s resilience allowed her to secure the victory and advance to the next round.
Kalinskaya, who has dealt with injuries and illness, started strong, racing to a 6-2 lead against Muchova. However, her serve began to falter, and as the match progressed, neither player performed at their best. It turned into a grueling battle of attrition, testing their endurance and mental fortitude, with Muchova eventually finding a way to secure the win.
Muchova responded strongly, taking the second set 6-2 with two breaks of serve. In the final set, she weathered early break points against her and eventually took a 3-2 lead with a break of her own. As Kalinskaya began to fade, Muchova capitalized on her momentum, confidently closing out the match and securing her spot in the next round.
Muchova has reached her third consecutive semi-final in just seven tournaments, underscoring her remarkable form. Next up is Mirra Andreeva, who advanced after Barbora Krejcikova’s retirement, with hopes that Krejcikova will be fit for Riyadh. Meanwhile, Paula Badosa and Daria Kasatkina are vying for the next reserve spot in the WTA Finals, having both secured victories earlier today.
