'Calm' Kalinskaya taking maiden Grand Slam quarter-final in stride

English Woman's Journal - 'Calm' Kalinskaya taking maiden Grand Slam quarter-final in stride

SPORTS 22.01.2024

'Calm' Kalinskaya taking maiden Grand Slam quarter-final in stride / Photo: Anthony WALLACE - AFP

Unseeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya said Monday she was focused on the job at hand and was not feeling the nerves after powering into a maiden Grand Slam quarter-final at the Australian Open.

Change text size:

The world number 75, who had never made it beyond the first round on four previous occasions in Melbourne, surged past Italian 26th seed Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-2.

"I think I don't realise it yet," she said of the career milestone. "I'm staying calm and positive. Just not thinking about what's going on. Just play and enjoy.

"But it's definitely a boost of confidence for the future."

Kalinskaya, who struggled with leg injuries last year that kept her off the tour for nearly four months, slapped 20 winners past Paolini and made just 13 unforced errors to her opponent's 33.

The 25-year-old has built a dedicated fan base with her exploits in Melbourne, which included beating former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

She has no idea who they are, but is enjoying their support.

"They're super fun. I didn't know them before this tournament. They came to watch me from round one. So I met them in the first match. They keep coming to watch me every single match," she said.

"The crowd is very, very into tennis. It's special to play here."

N.Steward--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - 'Calm' Kalinskaya taking maiden Grand Slam quarter-final in stride