Anna Blinkova mounted a commanding comeback to defeat Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the Miami Open Round of 128 on March 18, 2026. After dropping the opening set, Blinkova dominated on both first and second serve points, winning 63% and 66% respectively to overwhelm a struggling Kenin.
The match turned decisively in the second set, where Blinkova raced to a 6-1 advantage as Kenin’s game unraveled. The former Australian Open champion, mired in a 1-9 slump entering Miami, committed five double faults and struggled to find rhythm on her second serve, winning just 59% of those points. Blinkova seized control with precise returning and steadier baseline play, converting her opportunities to break serve throughout the middle and final sets.
The Russian closed out the victory 6-3 in the third, finishing with 92 total points won compared to Kenin’s 83. Blinkova’s superior consistency on serve—61% first serves in play and minimal errors on the second ball—proved the difference against an opponent whose recent form has been defined by unforced errors and double faults.
Key Takeaways
- Blinkova’s 66% second serve points won rate proved decisive, establishing a 7-point edge over Kenin (59%) that fueled her comeback after losing the first set.
- Kenin’s five double faults—more than double Blinkova’s two—reflected the American’s recent struggles, as she entered Miami with a 5.2 double faults per match average over her last 10 contests.
- The lopsided 6-1 second set turned the match irrevocably in Blinkova’s favor, as Kenin managed to win just 54% of first serve points despite getting 68% of first serves in play.
- Blinkova’s 92 total points won compared to Kenin’s 83 underscored her control from the second set onward, outscoring the 2020 Australian Open champion by 9 points despite dropping the opener.
Player Analysis
Anna Blinkova
Blinkova demonstrated precisely the kind of resilience needed to escape her recent three-match losing streak. Her 63% success rate on first serve points and even more impressive 66% on second serves showcased improved consistency compared to her hard court average of 70% first serve percentage. The Russian capitalized on Kenin’s shaky service games, turning the match around with aggressive returning in the second set. With 92 total points won and just two double faults, Blinkova played a remarkably clean match after the opening-set stumble.
Her two aces matched her 1.4-per-match hard court average, but it was her steadiness on second serve—crucial in neutralizing Kenin’s attempts to attack—that separated her performance. This victory marks a critical turnaround after consecutive defeats and signals potential for a deeper Miami run, matching her Round of 16 result from 2025.
Sofia Kenin
Kenin’s five double faults and 59% second serve points won rate told the story of a player trapped in an extended slump. After taking the first set 6-1, the American unraveled spectacularly in the second, managing just one game as her serve broke down repeatedly. Her 54% first serve points won rate—despite getting 68% of first serves in—highlighted an inability to finish points, a recurring theme in her 1-9 record over the last 10 matches.
The five-time WTA champion’s struggles on hard courts have been pronounced, with her recent form showing 19 unforced errors per match compared to just 9 winners. While she briefly looked dominant in the opening set, the collapse in sets two and three extended a brutal stretch that has seen her lose nine consecutive matches since October 2025. Miami offered no respite from the form crisis that continues to define her 2025-26 season.
Match Statistics
| Anna Blinkova | Stat | Sofia Kenin |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Aces | 1 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 61% | 1st Serve % | 68% |
| 63% | 1st Serve Points Won | 54% |
| 66% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 59% |
| 92 | Total Points Won | 83 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Anna Blinkova vs Sofia Kenin at the Miami Open 2026?
Anna Blinkova defeated Sofia Kenin 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the Round of 128 at the Miami Open on March 18, 2026.
How many double faults did Sofia Kenin hit against Anna Blinkova?
Sofia Kenin committed five double faults compared to Blinkova’s two, a critical factor in her loss after winning the first set.
What percentage of second serve points did Anna Blinkova win against Sofia Kenin?
Blinkova won an impressive 66% of second serve points, compared to Kenin’s 59%, establishing a decisive advantage that fueled her comeback.
Who won the Miami Open Round of 128 match between Blinkova and Kenin?
Anna Blinkova won after rallying from a 3-6 first set loss to take the final two sets 6-1, 6-3.
What’s Next
Blinkova advances to the Round of 64 at the Miami Open, where she will seek to build on this comeback victory and match her 2025 run to the Round of 16.
Head-to-head history: Anna Blinkova vs Sofia Kenin.
