Sensational turnaround: Anna KALINSKAYA surprises by beating Coco GAUFF in Dubai
WTAThursday, 22 February 2024 at 20:14
Anna
Kalinskaya knocks out third seed Coco Gauff in Dubai Duty Free Tennis
Championships with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. The Russian, who reached the
quarterfinals at the Australian Open, continued her impressive form in Dubai,
securing her sixth consecutive triumph and advancing to the semifinals from the
qualifying rounds.
The
25-year-old is currently experiencing the peak of her career and has guaranteed
her entry into the top 30 for the first time. Her next challenge will be
against none other than the world No. 1, Iga Swiatek.
The notable
upset of the day was Gauff's defeat, despite a strong start to the match.
However, her level gradually declined against a stellar performance from the
Russian. The first set favored the American, who saved two break points in the
opening game and then took the lead by capitalizing on the fourth break
opportunity in a lengthy service game from Kalinskaya.
With
consecutive breaks from both players, Gauff took a 3-1 lead and confidently
held her service. In the eighth game of the set, Kalinskaya succumbed to the
pressure, and the American secured another break to lead 6-2.
In the
second set, both players dropped their service early, and Kalinskaya took the
lead through her serve, advancing 3-1. Gauff showed initiative but couldn't
overcome a resilient Kalinskaya in defense. With the score 5-2 in favor of the
Russian, Gauff managed to secure a break that gave her hope, but ultimately,
the world No. 40 claimed the set 6-4.
In the
third set, Gauff maintained her intensity, relentlessly seeking winners, but
she couldn't match Kalinskaya, who made virtually no errors. The Russian took
an immediate lead and went ahead 2-0. Although Gauff tried to recover, the
Russian was simply superior with winners. Despite some doubts from Kalinskaya
in closing the match, she managed to secure a new break and ultimately won the
match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.
In the
semifinals, Kalinskaya will face Iga Swiatek, who secured a significant victory
over the Chinese player Zheng Qinwen (No. 7) with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- Is there no one in Pro Tennis willing to give this one some form of intervention before she crashes??
mandoist04-09-2026 - Double Standards for the male players? Gross. BTW: This "apology" reads like the one his lawyers wrote for him when he had to go to the Kangaroo Court for slapping his girlfriend around.mandoist04-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not just the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
Loading
