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Salkova vs Zakharova — Jiujiang R16 Preview
🧠 Form & Context
🇨🇿 Dominika Salkova (#151, righty)
- ✅ R1 Jiujiang: d. Falei 7–6(2), 7–5.
- 🟰 Hard results around .500 this year; returned quickly after a mid-September retirement.
- 📌 First H2H vs Zakharova.
🇷🇺 Anastasia Zakharova (#99, righty)
- ✅ R1 Jiujiang: d. Shibahara 6–4, 6–1.
- 🔁 Busy Asia swing (Beijing qualies wins; Jinan QF); Cleveland WTA SF in August.
- 💥 Notable: beat Azarenka at Wimbledon R1.
🔍 Match Breakdown
Hard-court seasoning: Zakharova has banked more hard-court reps in 2025 and recently strung together clean wins in China — a boost for rhythm and first-strike confidence.
Scoreline texture: Salkova’s hard matches skew tight (TBs/7–5s). That keeps her live in sets but leaves thin margins against steadier backboards.
Momentum check: Both advanced, but Zakharova’s R1 was cleaner. If she applies early return pressure, Salkova’s second-serve pockets could be the hinge.
Paths to the upset: Salkova needs a high 1st-serve% and to elongate rallies to test Zakharova’s patience; stealing the opening-set tiebreak would swing leverage.
🔮 Prediction
Lean Zakharova: superior hard-court reps and a sharper R1 tilt the balance. Salkova can drag a set long, but Zakharova’s depth should carry key return games.
Pick: Zakharova in two tight sets (one set likely goes long).
📊 Tale of the Tape
| Metric | Dominika Salkova | Anastasia Zakharova |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Hard (W–L) | 7–7 | 17–18 |
| 2025 Indoors (W–L) | 3–1 | 3–2 |
| R1 Jiujiang | d. Falei 7–6(2), 7–5 | d. Shibahara 6–4, 6–1 |
| H2H | First meeting | |
| Edge Summary | Can grind long sets; needs high 1st-serve%. | Cleaner recent wins; better hard-court volume. |
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