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Anna Kalinskaya opened her 2026 Australian Open campaign in style, dispatching Britain’s Sonay Kartal in straight sets, 7–6(3), 6–1, in a match that showcased her composure, tactical intelligence, and growing confidence on the big stage. Seeded 31st in Melbourne, Kalinskaya entered as the favorite—but Kartal made sure the opening set was anything but routine.
The first set was a gritty, back-and-forth battle. Kartal matched Kalinskaya’s intensity from the baseline, trading long rallies and refusing to give an inch. Both players held serve through most of the set, with neither able to create sustained separation. Kalinskaya had to dig deep, saving pressure moments with smart serving and patient construction. When the set reached a tiebreak, however, the Russian flipped the switch. She raised her level instantly, tightening her errors and dictating play with her forehand to take the breaker 7–3 and seize momentum.
That tiebreak proved to be the turning point.
In the second set, Kalinskaya looked like a completely different player—calm, aggressive, and in full control. She began stepping inside the baseline, taking the ball early and pushing Kartal into defensive positions. Her serve became more effective, and her return game turned ruthless. Kalinskaya broke early, then again, racing out to a commanding lead as Kartal struggled to reset after the disappointment of losing the first set.
From there, it was all about control. Kalinskaya mixed depth with angles, forcing Kartal to hit on the run and taking away time on every shot. The scoreboard reflected the shift in gears: 6–1 in the second set, and a statement win to open her Australian Open run.
For Kalinskaya, this performance sends an important message. She didn’t just rely on her seeding—she earned it. Winning a tight opener and then running away with the second set shows maturity and the ability to problem-solve under pressure. In a Slam where early rounds often trip up seeded players, she passed her first test with authority.
Kartal, to her credit, showed flashes of why she’s a rising name on the tour. Her fight in the first set and willingness to engage in long rallies proved she belongs at this level. But against a player as composed and aggressive as Kalinskaya, margins are thin—and once momentum shifted, it was hard to stop.
As Kalinskaya moves into the second round, confidence will be high. Melbourne rewards players who can absorb pressure early and then strike when opportunities appear—and that’s exactly what she did today. If she continues to combine patience with fearless shot-making, this Australian Open could be more than just a solid start. It could be the stage for a deep, headline-grabbing run.
Musa
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