Sramkova Bests Kalinskaya in Wuhan Three-Setter; Fifth Top 30 Win of 2025

It’s official—Rebecca Šramková is no longer the underdog story. The Slovakian powerhouse just pulled off another shocker in Wuhan, toppling World No. 26 Anna Kalinskaya in a nail-biting three-set thriller, marking her fifth Top 30 scalp of the 2025 season. If anyone still doubted her rise, it’s time to wake up—Šramková is quietly turning into one of the most dangerous floaters on tour.

The match had all the ingredients of a modern-day classic: pace, poise, and a whole lot of passion. Kalinskaya, fresh off a strong run earlier this month, looked set to cruise after taking the first set 6–3 with her signature clean hitting. But Šramková wasn’t having it. With trademark grit and explosive baseline play, she roared back, flipping the script 6–4 in the second and sealing the decider 7–5 in a dramatic finish that left the Wuhan crowd on its feet.

Šramková’s journey this year reads like a late-blooming fairy tale. Once hovering around the lower ranks, she’s found her rhythm and confidence, taking down big names one by one. This win adds to an already impressive list that includes victories over the likes of Emma Navarro, Veronika Kudermetova, and Beatriz Haddad Maia. Her 2025 record now boasts not just consistency—but intent.

Kalinskaya, for her part, fought valiantly. Her forehand still packed punch, and her variety kept Šramková guessing. But when crunch time arrived, it was the Slovak’s aggression and fearless returns that made the difference.

What’s perhaps most exciting is Šramková’s newfound belief. She’s no longer content with moral victories—she’s gunning for the spotlight. “I just keep fighting. Every match, I feel I belong more,” she said after the win, flashing that quiet, confident smile of someone who knows she’s onto something special.

With her fifth Top 30 victory of the season, Rebecca Šramková has moved from the periphery of tennis chatter straight into the center of attention. She’s no longer the surprise package—she’s the player no one wants to see in their draw.

Wuhan may have just been another stop on the tour, but for Šramková, it felt like a declaration: she’s here, she’s fearless, and she’s coming for more. The top 20? Suddenly, it doesn’t look so far away.