How do you beat Iga Swiatek? Anna Kalinskaya has a few tips
The Russian is one of just four women to beat Swiatek so far in 2024, having managed it in the semi-finals of Dubai
Anna Kalinskaya, 2023 | © AF / Panoramic
On the evidence of the past few weeks – and the small matter of her having won this title three times in the last four years – Iga Swiatek is the overwhelming favourite to win again at this year’s Roland-Garros.
The Pole’s victories in Madrid and Rome ensured she arrives full of confidence for a tournament she’s already making her own. On her favourite surface, and her favourite venue, the undisputed world No 1 looks virtually unbeatable.
But nothing is impossible and as unlikely as it may seem at this stage, she can lose. Four women have managed to get the better of her this year, including Anna Kalinskaya, who beat her in the semi-finals in Dubai in February.
The Russian, who is now garnering more column inches after it was confirmed that she and Jannik Sinner are a couple, told Tennis Majors that there’s no secret to beating Swiatek, but did give an insight into her mindset and the way she tried, and succeeded to play.
“I think she’s an amazing player.” Kalinskaya said. “It was definitely one of the best matches in my career. I played very aggressive. I stayed focused, I played very risky. It was an amazing match. It was very intense. I played fast. I think that was my key. I served very well. I think that was my key to keep playing aggressive and move the ball around and not give her too much time. I tried to recognise the short ball and I went for it.”
Kalinskaya : “i just focused only on myself”
Kalinskaya said she knew that she could not afford to just be patient and wait for Swiatek to make mistakes. On the odd occasion when the Pole gets stressed, errors can flow, but Kalinskaya said it pays only to think about herself.
“For me, doesn’t change much,” she said. “I just focus on myself. Because I don’t feel like if she gets stressed, she plays worse. There’s not too much difference. At least I didn’t see it.
“I don’t think there is a secret to beating her. You just try to do your best and she’s a (normal) player. It’s a game. You just have to do your best and for me, that day it worked. I don’t know if we’re gonna have any matches but I’m definitely looking forward. And let’s see.”
Kalinskaya is in the other half of the draw so the only time they could meet each other at Roland-Garros would be the final. But if somehow that happens, she says she will believe she can win again.
“Mentally you just have to be there every point,” she said. “You can’t get distracted, you can’t relax for one point because playing against the top five, top 10 players, you feel the difference. As soon as they see this opportunity that you are a little bit off mentally they take advantage of it.”
