**Is Anna Kalinskaya to Blame? – Fans React as Jessica Pegula Stages a Comeback in Miami**
Anna Kalinskaya’s exit from the Miami Open after a tough three-set battle against Jessica Pegula has sparked heated debates among tennis fans. While some questioned her performance in the latter stages of the match, others defended her, pointing out that the statistics tell a more complex story.
Kalinskaya started strong, taking the first set in a closely contested tiebreak, 7-6(3). However, Pegula responded in the second set, breaking Kalinskaya’s serve multiple times to win it 6-2. The decisive third set was a fierce contest, with both players pushing each other to the limit. Ultimately, Pegula clinched the victory in another tiebreak, 7-6(2).
The match statistics highlight Pegula’s efficiency in key moments. She won 109 total points compared to Kalinskaya’s 90 and converted four out of seven break points, whereas Kalinskaya managed only two out of four. Pegula also dominated in receiving points, winning 43 compared to Kalinskaya’s 29, giving her a crucial edge in the match.
Despite the close nature of the contest, some fans expressed frustration, questioning whether Kalinskaya could have done more to maintain her momentum after winning the first set. However, others pushed back against the idea that she was to blame for the loss, emphasizing that Pegula, the fourth seed, was always expected to be a tough opponent.
Pegula’s stronger first-serve winning percentage (82% compared to Kalinskaya’s 62%) and ability to win longer rallies proved to be decisive factors. Additionally, her five aces and consistent shot-making under pressure allowed her to stay in control when it mattered most.
While Kalinskaya will be disappointed with the loss, she showed resilience and quality throughout the match. As the tennis season continues, she will look to build on her recent performances and improve in key moments to secure victories in similar tightly contested matches. Fans, meanwhile, continue to debate whether this loss was simply a missed opportunity or a match that was always going to be difficult to win against a higher-ranked opponent.