Sensational turnaround: Anna KALINSKAYA surprises by beating Coco GAUFF in Dubai

WTA
Thursday, 22 February 2024 at 20:14
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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.

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