Australian Open star Anna Kalinskaya breaks silence after withdrawing from tournament minutes before match

Australian tennis star Anna Kalinskaya has spoken out after being forced to withdraw from the 2025 Australian Open just minutes before her scheduled match. Kalinskaya, who was set to face Aussie No. 1 Kimberly Birrell in the second round, had to cancel her participation due to sudden health complications.

The Russian player, currently ranked No. 14 in the world, explained the unfortunate situation in an Instagram story, where she expressed her disappointment. “Very sad and frustrating today to pull out from the Australian Open. I was really looking forward to it but got some virus. Health comes first,” Kalinskaya wrote.

Her withdrawal marked a significant loss for the tournament, as Kalinskaya was defending a substantial number of ranking points from her quarterfinal finish in the previous year. The late exit is expected to impact her rankings, potentially dropping her out of the top 20 by the end of the event.

Eva Lys, a lucky loser who had been waiting all day at Melbourne Park for a possible opportunity, stepped in to replace Kalinskaya at the last moment. Lys was given only five minutes’ notice before the match and rushed to the court to face Birrell. Despite the pressure, the German player secured a 6-2, 6-2 victory over the Australian, advancing to the next round.

While Kalinskaya’s withdrawal is unfortunate, her decision underscores the importance of prioritizing health, especially in a demanding sport like tennis. Fans are hoping she recovers soon and can return to competition in full form.