Ukrainian tennis is having a moment to remember, and the spotlight now shines brightly on Angelina Kalinina. The 26-year-old from the Kherson region has surged into the final of the WTA 125 Open BLS de Limoges tournament in France, a feat that’s turning heads across the tennis world. With a prize fund of $115,000 up for grabs and a field packed with top-100 talent, Kalinina’s run is nothing short of remarkable—especially considering this is her first tournament appearance in six months.
On the chilly hard courts of Limoges, Kalinina has played with a fire that belies her current world ranking of 155. Her semifinal showdown was a true test of grit, pitting her against the tournament’s top seed and main favorite, Cristina Bucsa of Spain. Bucsa, ranked 54th in the world, was expected by many to cruise into the final. But Kalinina had other ideas. In a match that lasted just 75 minutes, Kalinina delivered a clinical performance, dispatching Bucsa 6-4, 6-3 and booking her ticket to the championship match.
Let’s break down how she did it. The first set saw Kalinina break Bucsa’s serve twice, showcasing her aggressive return game and tactical sharpness. At 5-4, with the pressure on, Kalinina calmly converted her second set point—a moment that set the tone for the rest of the match. The Ukrainian’s focus never wavered, and her serve was rock-solid throughout. In fact, she posted a 71% first-serve success rate with not a single double fault, a stat that speaks volumes about her composure under pressure. Bucsa, by contrast, struggled to match that level, conceding three crucial points on her own serve.
“This was my first tournament in six months, and I wanted to prove to myself that I can still compete at this level,” Kalinina told Suspilne. Sport after the match. She added, “Defeating the top seed gives me a lot of confidence going into the final.” That confidence is well-earned. En route to the final, Kalinina racked up three victories, two of them against players ranked in the world’s top 100. Each match seemed to sharpen her game and build her momentum.
It’s worth noting just how significant this run is for Kalinina. The Limoges tournament, part of the WTA 125 series, may not carry the prestige of a Grand Slam, but it’s a vital proving ground for players looking to climb the rankings or stage a comeback. For Kalinina, it’s the latter. Her absence from competition over the past half-year left some wondering if she could regain her form. Those doubts have now been answered emphatically.
The semifinal win over Bucsa wasn’t just an upset; it was a statement. Bucsa had been pegged as the main favorite, not only due to her ranking but also her recent form on the WTA tour. Yet Kalinina’s blend of patient baseline play and opportunistic aggression proved too much for the Spaniard. The Ukrainian’s ability to control rallies, especially on crucial points, made the difference. After the match, analysts pointed to her high first-serve percentage and lack of double faults as key factors. “When your serve is working like that, you always have a chance,” remarked a commentator on Ukrinform.
Looking ahead, Kalinina’s opponent in the final will be determined by the outcome of the match between Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam and France’s Elsa Jacquemot. Both are formidable in their own right, and neither should be underestimated. Friedsam, a former top-50 player, brings experience and a powerful baseline game. Jacquemot, the local favorite, has the crowd behind her and plenty of youthful energy. Regardless of whom she faces, Kalinina will enter the final with the confidence of someone who’s already toppled the tournament’s highest hurdle.
The final is scheduled for December 14, 2025, and anticipation is building. For Kalinina, it’s another chance to showcase her resilience and skill on an international stage. For Ukrainian tennis fans, it’s a moment to rally behind one of their own as she seeks to cap a dream run with a trophy.
This success story is even more poignant given Kalinina’s roots in the Kherson region, an area that’s faced its share of challenges in recent years. Her journey to the final is a testament to perseverance and the unyielding spirit that defines so many athletes from Ukraine. “I’m playing for myself, my family, and everyone back home,” she said. “Their support means everything.”
Historically, Ukrainian women’s tennis has produced standout talents—think Elina Svitolina and Lesia Tsurenko—but Kalinina’s rise offers a fresh narrative. She’s not just making up the numbers; she’s taking out top seeds and proving she belongs among the best. If she can capture the title in Limoges, it could mark a turning point in her career and potentially spark a resurgence in her ranking. The WTA 125 events are often launching pads for players looking to break into the higher echelons of the sport. A victory here could set the stage for bigger things in 2026.
Of course, the final hurdle still awaits. Tennis is a sport where momentum can shift in an instant, and finals have a way of testing nerves like nothing else. But Kalinina’s performance so far suggests she’s ready for the challenge. Her mix of experience, tactical acumen, and newfound self-belief makes her a dangerous opponent for anyone.
As the Limoges final approaches, all eyes will be on the Ukrainian. Will she complete her comeback with a title, or will Friedsam or Jacquemot have the last word? One thing’s for sure: Kalinina has already won the respect of fans and peers alike with her inspiring run. The action continues in Limoges, and the tennis world waits with bated breath to see how this story unfolds.
For now, Angelina Kalinina stands just one match away from a remarkable triumph. Whether she lifts the trophy or not, her journey through Limoges has already provided a powerful reminder of what determination and belief can achieve on the tennis court.
