(Miami) The Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina was on the ropes against Caroline Wozniacki, but she came from behind to reach the third round of the Miami Open on Thursday.
Kalinina saved a match point and won five straight games in the second set to triumph 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 against the former top racket in the world.
Wozniacki, who won the Australian Open in 2018, returned to the game last year after taking a few years off. She gave birth to two children during this period.
PHOTO GEOFF BURKE, USA TODAY SPORTS
Caroline Wozniacki
The Dane reached the quarter-finals in Indian Wells in March, but had to withdraw from her clash against top seed Iga Swiatek due to a right foot problem.
Like Kalinina, Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia also overcame a slow start in hot and humid conditions, defeating Diane Parry in three sets of 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.
It was Haddad Maia’s first victory in three matches against Parry. The latter, however, had won the previous two on clay, while the Miami Open is played on hard court.
Katie Boulter advanced when Brenda Fruhvirtova dropped out while trailing.
Maria Sakkari eliminated Yuan Yue, Taylor Townsend defeated Elise Mertens and Anna Kalinskaya showed Wang Xiyu the exit. These three duels ended 6-2, 6-2.
Madison Keys defeated Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-4.
The top 32 players had a bye for the first round. Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, is scheduled to play her first match of the tournament against Paula Badosa on Friday.
On the men’s side, 2016 finalist Kei Nishikori prevailed 6-3, 6-4 over Sebastian Ofner.
Winner of 12 ATP tournaments, Nishikori has already reached fourth in the world.