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WTA Jiujiang — Dominika Salkova vs Anna Blinkova
🧠 Form & Context
Dominika Salkova (#151)
- 2025: 30–22 overall | Hard 9–7
- Jiujiang run: d. Falei 7–6, 7–5; d. Zakharova 7–6, 2–6, 6–2; d. Bai 6–3, 6–4.
- Momentum building with a clean QF; occasional three-set turbulence this season.
Anna Blinkova (#95)
- 2025: 27–27 overall | Hard 13–15
- Jiujiang: d. Paquet 6–4, 6–4; d. Bondar 7–6, 7–5; d. Parks 7–5, 7–5.
- Experience edge and composed in three tight straight-set wins this week.
- No prior head-to-head between them.
🔍 Match Breakdown
First-strike & depth: Blinkova’s heavier baseline ball and composure in deuce games (vs Bondar/Parks) gave her the small margins she needed. Most sets this week have been within one break or tiebreak range.
Rally tolerance: Salkova’s level can spike — her clean dismissal of Bai shows that — but she’s been dragged into deciders frequently. Over longer exchanges, Blinkova holds the steadier rhythm and directional control.
Scoreboard pressure: Blinkova has closed multiple tight 7–5, 7–6 finishes this week; her ability to manage key points is trending up. Salkova, by contrast, has shown slight lapses after winning tight first sets.
Upset path for Salkova: Raise first-serve % and strike first — particularly with the forehand. If she nicks the opener, Blinkova’s composure could be tested again in late stages.
🔮 Prediction
Blinkova’s heavier rally ball and edge in clutch game management tilt this slightly her way. Salkova’s ceiling remains intriguing, especially if her forehand fires early, but the Russian’s control of deuce moments should carry her through another tight match.
Pick: Blinkova in two tight sets (potential tiebreak).
📊 Tale of the Tape
| Category | Dominika Salkova | Anna Blinkova |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #151 | #95 |
| 2025 Record | 30–22 (Hard 9–7) | 27–27 (Hard 13–15) |
| Jiujiang Results | Falei, Zakharova, Bai | Paquet, Bondar, Parks |
| Strengths | Forehand initiative, streaky power | Baseline weight, composure under pressure |
| Weaknesses | Consistency dips in long rallies | Can start slow; second-serve exposure |
| Edge Summary | Ceiling power | Experience and tight-set handling |
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