Anna Kalinskaya sent a powerful message at the 2025 Charleston Open, dispatching Australian Open champion Madison Keys in a decisive 6-2, 6-4 victory during the Round of 16 on April 3, 2025. The match, which lasted just over an hour, showcased Kalinskaya’s resurgence on the WTA Tour and marked her first Top 10 win of the season, a critical boost after a rocky start to the year plagued by injuries. The Russian’s performance was a blend of precision and aggression, as she capitalized on Keys’ uncharacteristic struggles to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, where she will face Sofia Kenin.
Kalinskaya’s emotions spilled over post-match as she reflected on the significance of the win. “This one is special. I needed this for my confidence,” she admitted in her on-court interview. “I had an unfortunate start to the year, but it’s nice to be back and playing at such a high level.” Her words underscored the challenges she’s faced in 2025, including a lingering injury that disrupted her early-season momentum. Charleston, however, has proven to be a turning point, with the clay courts suiting her game and allowing her to rediscover the form that once saw her climb into the Top 20.
Against Keys, Kalinskaya was clinical. She broke the American’s serve four times, converting four of her five break-point chances, while saving seven of eight break points against her own delivery. Keys, ranked in the Top 10 and fresh off her Melbourne triumph, struggled with consistency, racking up 40 unforced errors compared to Kalinskaya’s more measured 18. The Russian’s ability to dictate play and exploit Keys’ off-day was evident from the outset, as she raced to a 6-2 first-set lead before weathering a late push from Keys in the second.
This victory levels their head-to-head record at 1-1, erasing the sting of a prior loss to Keys. For Kalinskaya, it’s more than just a statistic—it’s a statement of intent. As she prepares to take on Kenin, a former Grand Slam champion, Kalinskaya carries newfound belief into the next round. Her Charleston run is shaping up as a redemption arc, and with her confidence restored, she’s poised to make waves in the tournament’s latter stages. For now, she’s let her racquet—and her candid post-match feelings—do the talking.
