Tue Jan 20 04:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Kartal and Kalinskaya Set to Clash in Highly Anticipated Australian Open First-Round Match

The Story:
The Australian Open 2026 is underway, and tennis fans are eagerly awaiting the first-round match between Britain’s Sonay Kartal and Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya. The match, scheduled for Monday, January 19, at 9:20 PM ET, is crucial for both players as they aim to make a significant impact on the prestigious Grand Slam event. Kartal seeks redemption after an early exit last year, while Kalinskaya returns to Melbourne hoping to make her mark after missing the 2025 tournament.

Despite analysts favoring Kalinskaya, the match is expected to be closely contested. Kartal, although considered the underdog, has shown promise, and the absence of head-to-head history adds an element of unpredictability. The winner will likely face Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the next round, setting the stage for a challenging path ahead.

Key Points:

  • The first-round match between Sonay Kartal and Anna Kalinskaya is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 9:20 PM ET.
  • Kartal is aiming for redemption after losing in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open.
  • Kalinskaya did not compete in Melbourne last year and holds a 2-2 win-loss record for 2026.
  • Dimers’ predictive tennis model gives Kalinskaya a 57% chance of victory.
  • Moneyline odds favor Kalinskaya at –145 and Kartal at +129.
  • This will be the first main tour match between Kartal and Kalinskaya.
  • The winner of this match is projected to face Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round.

Key Takeaways:

  • The match presents a significant opportunity for both Kartal and Kalinskaya to set the tone for their Australian Open campaigns.
  • Despite statistical predictions favoring Kalinskaya, Kartal’s potential for an upset adds an element of intrigue.
  • The absence of a head-to-head record between the players increases the unpredictability of the match.
  • The draw for both players is challenging, with potential matchups against top players like Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka looming in later rounds.
  • British tennis fans are closely watching Kartal’s performance, hoping for a breakthrough in Melbourne.

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