“There’s no pressure when you play someone from the top 10”: Anna Kalinskaya embraces underdog role in victory over Madison Keys
“No Pressure Against Top 10”: Anna Kalinskaya Embraces Underdog Role After Stunning Madison Keys
Anna Kalinskaya pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Charleston Open, defeating second seed and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys to reach the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 event. The win marks her fourth career victory over a top-5 opponent.
The 26-year-old Russian delivered a composed and confident performance, dispatching one of the home crowd favorites on Charleston’s unique green clay. It was her second straight win over an American opponent—and now she’s set to face another in the next round: 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
Kalinskaya entered Charleston with just one win in her previous five matches, but the change in surface seems to have sparked a turnaround.
“I can say I like green clay, I like Charleston, I like the atmosphere here,” Kalinskaya told Tennis Channel following her win. “Even though I played Madison, I still felt support from the crowd. Lots of kids, sweet fans—it was a great experience. I’m really happy to have another chance to play tomorrow.”
Confidence Growing
Kalinskaya credited recent improvements in her serve and a calm mindset as keys to the win.
“I started to believe in my second serve more after yesterday. My first serve percentage was solid too. I just tried to minimize mistakes,” she explained. “At times Madison was hitting so aggressively, and I couldn’t do much. But I stayed calm, respected her game, and stayed focused on what I needed to do.”
Despite not yet breaking into the top 10 herself, Kalinskaya boasts an impressive 11–9 record against top-10 players—a 55% success rate. Among her biggest wins are three against top-3 opponents, including World No. 1 Iga Swiatek in Dubai last year.
For Kalinskaya, facing elite opponents brings a sense of freedom.
“There’s no pressure when you play someone from the top 10,” she said. “I just go for it. Either it works or it doesn’t, but I feel like I can play more freely. Most of the time, it’s been working.”
With a newfound rhythm and confidence, Kalinskaya is proving to be a dangerous floater in the draw—one that top seeds can’t afford to underestimate.
