Ann Li vs. Anna Šišková

WTA Iasi – Round of 16
Ann Li vs. Anna Šišková

🧠 Form & Context

Anna Šišková

• 🧱 Grinding through: Nothing has come easy for the Czech—three-set wins in all three Iasi matches so far, including a nerve-jangling final-set tiebreak over Kawa in the opener.
• 📈 On the rise: Sporting a 38–7 record in 2025, she’s been on fire at ITF level, winning three clay titles and building real momentum.
• ⚠️ Unranked threat: At No. 406, she’s flying under the radar—but her clay-court comfort and match rhythm make her far more dangerous than that number suggests.
• 💪 Battle-tested: Already played seven sets in three days—fatigue could be a factor, but confidence is clearly peaking.

Ann Li

• 🎾 WTA regular: The world No. 65 has strung together solid wins this season, including victories over Fernandez, Blinkova, and Potapova.
• 🌱 Clay court progress: Her 7–5 clay record in 2025 includes a deep run in Rabat and a gutsy three-set win over Maristany to open her Iasi campaign.
• 🩹 Injury watch: She’s dealt with a few physical setbacks in past seasons—retired in Dubai earlier this year—but seems healthy and in rhythm now.
• 🇺🇸 Climbing again: After a sluggish start to 2025, she’s looking more assured—especially when she can dictate pace early in rallies.

🔍 Match Breakdown

This one’s all about tempo and control. Šišková is locked into grind mode—she's played a ton of tennis this year, thrives in extended rallies, and forces opponents to earn every point. She won’t give Li much rhythm or free points.

Li, in contrast, has a cleaner, flatter game and is far more comfortable stepping inside the court. Her backhand down-the-line is a weapon, and she’ll need to find it early to keep Siskova from settling into defensive patterns.

The challenge for Li is patience. Clay isn’t her natural surface, and Šišková’s ability to scramble and redirect pace will push her physically and mentally if rallies stretch out. Expect some momentum swings.

🔮 Prediction

Šišková’s form and confidence can’t be ignored—she’s been in the trenches all week and won’t back down. But if Li stays focused on serve and keeps her unforced errors down, her quality from the baseline should eventually take over.

Prediction: Li def. Šišková 6–3, 6–4. The American’s consistency and firepower give her the edge, though a tight set or mini-run from Šišková wouldn’t surprise. Cover on the games line. Keep an eye on Li’s first-serve percentage—below 55% could invite live-trade volatility.