Event Preview
Overview
On Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM EEST, Russian tennis player Oksana Selekhmeteva will face Poland's Magda Linette in the first round of the WTA Hobart International tournament. This match is significant as both players aim to advance in the tournament, with the winner progressing to the second round.
Season Snapshot
Oksana Selekhmeteva: Ranked 100th in the WTA standings, Selekhmeteva has demonstrated resilience in recent competitions. Notably, she secured the title at the WTA 125K event in Rovereto, Italy, in October 2025, defeating Lucrezia Stefanini 6-1, 6-1 in the final. (tennismajors.com) However, her performance in the 2025 US Open was less impressive, with a first-round loss to Marketa Vondrousova. (matchstat.com)
Magda Linette: Currently ranked 52nd, Linette has had a mixed start to the 2026 season. She reached the quarterfinals at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, in early January, showcasing her competitive edge. (wincomparator.com) In her most recent match, she triumphed over Venus Williams 2-1, indicating her readiness for the upcoming challenge. (wincomparator.com)
Recent Form
Oksana Selekhmeteva: Selekhmeteva has shown a strong performance in recent matches, winning 5 out of her last 6 encounters. Her most recent victory was a 2-0 win over Panna Udvardy on January 9, 2026. (sportytrader.com) This consistent form suggests she is entering the match with confidence.
Magda Linette: Linette's recent form has been slightly less consistent, with 3 wins and 4 losses in her last 7 matches. Her most recent match was a 2-1 victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto on January 7, 2026. (wincomparator.com) Despite this, her experience and recent quarterfinal appearance in Auckland indicate she is in competitive shape.
Talking Points
- Selekhmeteva's Resilience: Can Selekhmeteva continue her strong performance from the 2025 season into the new year?
- Linette's Experience: Will Linette's higher ranking and experience give her an edge over the younger Selekhmeteva?
- Surface Advantage: How will the hard court surface at Hobart International affect both players' strategies?
- Head-to-Head Record: With Linette leading their previous encounter 2-0, can Selekhmeteva turn the tables?
- Tournament Stakes: How crucial is this match for both players' momentum in the early stages of the season?
Players to Watch
- Oksana Selekhmeteva: Known for her powerful strokes, Selekhmeteva's aggressive playstyle has been effective in recent matches.
- Magda Linette: Linette's tactical gameplay and experience make her a formidable opponent, especially on hard courts.
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Serve and Return: Selekhmeteva's powerful serve versus Linette's precise returns could be a decisive factor.
- Baseline Rally: The effectiveness of Selekhmeteva's aggressive baseline play against Linette's strategic positioning will be crucial.
Fun Facts
- Selekhmeteva secured her first WTA title at the 2025 WTA 125K event in Rovereto, Italy.
- Linette has achieved a career-high WTA ranking of 19th in 2023.
- The previous encounter between these two players in 2022 ended with Linette winning 6-2, 6-0.
Things to Chirp About
- "Can Selekhmeteva's powerful serve disrupt Linette's rhythm?"
- "Will Linette's experience on hard courts give her the edge?"
- "Is Selekhmeteva's recent form a sign of a breakout season?"
- "How crucial is this match for both players' momentum in the early stages of the season?"
Prediction
While both players have their strengths, Linette's higher ranking and experience on hard courts may give her a slight advantage. However, Selekhmeteva's recent form and aggressive playstyle suggest she could pose a significant challenge. The match is expected to be competitive, with Linette likely edging out a victory.