MASON, OH – Stearns Faces Tough Competition
Cincinnati’s Peyton Stearns encountered a challenging match in her hometown, losing crucial points and requiring medical assistance. Although her singles tournament has ended, she is set to compete in the doubles event at her home venue.
Match Details
On August 9, Stearns fell in three sets to No. 28 seed Anna Kalinskaya during the round of 64 at the Women’s Tennis Association Cincinnati Open held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Kalinskaya secured victory with a score of 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-1 after a match that lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Next Steps for Kalinskaya
Kalinskaya will advance to face No. 5 seed Amanda Anisimova, the runner-up at Wimbledon 2025, in the round of 32.
Stearns’ Future in Doubles
Stearns earned her first main-draw win in Mason on August 7. While her singles journey is over, she will pair up with Marketa Vondrousova, who recently lost to World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Center Court. Their doubles match is scheduled for approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 10.
Reflections on the Match
Stearns expressed her determination to bounce back, noting, “Usually, when the match goes like that, you come back harder the next day. So I’m excited to get back out there tomorrow and get another win under my belt, hopefully.”
Match Summary
The first two sets were fiercely contested. Stearns led 5-2 in the first set but couldn’t finish strong, eventually losing in a tiebreak 7-4. She acknowledged that nerves got to her when she missed a crucial set point.
Injury Update and Rankings
In the third set, Stearns took an injury timeout for her right shoulder but reassured fans that it was only minor tightness. Currently ranked 53rd in the world, she plans to focus on the upcoming U.S. Open starting on August 24. The match marked another chapter in her rivalry with Kalinskaya, who improved her record in Mason to 3-3 in the main draw.
