Anna Kalinskaya Regains Form, Upsets Madison Keys to Reach Charleston Open Quarterfinals
Anna Kalinskaya made a statement at the 2025 Charleston Open, securing her first Top 10 win of the season with an impressive 6-2, 6-4 victory over Madison Keys. The result marks a potential turning point for Kalinskaya, who is aiming to recapture the momentum that brought her to the finals in Dubai and Berlin last season, along with strong showings at Grand Slam events.
Off the court, Kalinskaya has navigated the challenges of public scrutiny, especially due to her high-profile relationship with current men’s World No. 1, Jannik Sinner. Coupled with injury setbacks and illness, her form had recently been inconsistent. But on Thursday, she looked every bit like a top-tier player.
Kalinskaya entered the match after defeating her friend and occasional doubles partner Caty McNally. Against Keys, she played aggressively from the outset, dictating rallies and forcing errors at crucial points. Keys, who has been relatively inactive since her Australian Open triumph, struggled to find her rhythm and showed visible frustration during the second set.
Targeting the left side of the court, Kalinskaya exploited her opponent’s positioning with precision. The Russian remained mentally composed and sustained pressure throughout the match.
Kalinskaya will next face either Daria Kasatkina—her longtime friend and frequent guest on her vlog series—or Sofia Kenin, who eliminated Belinda Bencic in the previous round. A possible semifinal clash could pit her against rising stars Amanda Anisimova or Emma Navarro.
Match Stats: Kalinskaya vs. Keys
| Stat | Kalinskaya | Keys |
|---|---|---|
| Aces | 0 | 3 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 0 |
| 1st Serve % | 76% (44/58) | 68% (40/59) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 68% (30/44) | 48% (19/40) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 64% (9/14) | 63% (12/19) |
| Break Points Saved | 88% (7/8) | 20% (1/5) |
| Service Games Won | 89% (8/9) | 56% (5/9) |
| 1st Return Points Won | 53% (21/40) | 32% (14/44) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 37% (7/19) | 36% (5/14) |
| Match Duration | 1h 20m | 1h 20m |
What’s Next?
Kalinskaya looks poised for a deep run in Charleston if she maintains her current level. With confidence returning and a relatively open draw ahead, the 25-year-old Russian may be back in the conversation as one of the WTA’s rising threats.
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