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.