Ningbo: Anhelina Kalinina vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Sunday at 06:30

The Ningbo tournament kicks off this Sunday 18 October with a clash between two players from the former USSR. Anhelina Kalinina, world No. 48 and Ukrainian, faces Aliaksandra Sasnovich, world No. 118 and Belarusian. Scheduled for 06:30, this match promises an interesting contrast in styles: Kalinina, known for her baseline power, against Sasnovich, recognized for her aggressive play and net approaches.

Contrasting paths ahead of this showdown

Anhelina Kalinina arrives in Ningbo after a 2026 season marked by consistent performances in WTA 1000 events, keeping her in the top 50. Her game, built on powerful shots and solid defense, makes her a tough opponent on clay, the surface of this tournament. Aliaksandra Sasnovich, on the other hand, has had a more irregular year, alternating between early exits and a few standout performances in Grand Slams.

A match to watch for the tournament’s progression

This first-round clash could set the tone for the rest of the Ningbo tournament. A win for Sasnovich would be a major upset, while Kalinina’s qualification would confirm her favorite status. The two players have met several times before, with Kalinina holding a slight edge in their head-to-head. This new duel promises high-level tennis right from the start of the competition.

Match page: Anhelina Kalinina vs Aliaksandra Sasnovich — stats and odds →