In a stunning upset at the 2025 Charleston Open, Anna Kalinskaya defeated Madison Keys, the Australian Open champion, with a score of 6-2, 6-4 on Thursday. This victory propels Kalinskaya into the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament held at the Family Circle Tennis Center.
Kalinskaya, seeded No. 14 and currently ranked No. 33 in the world, showcased her skills in a match that many expected to be a tough battle against the second-seeded Keys. Despite Keys’ impressive track record and recent victory at the Australian Open, Kalinskaya's performance was nothing short of exceptional, marking a significant turnaround after her previous loss to Jessica Pegula at the Miami Open.
In the earlier rounds of the Charleston tournament, Kalinskaya had displayed her potential by defeating American qualifier Catherine McNally convincingly, with a score of 6-1, 6-4. Meanwhile, Keys, ranked No. 5 in the world, had also advanced through the rounds, overcoming Caroline Dolehide with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory.
Kalinskaya’s win over Keys not only highlights her resilience but also sets her up for a challenging next match against the winner of the clash between Australian Daria Kasatkina, the No. 5 seed, and American Sofia Kenin. This upcoming match will be critical for Kalinskaya as she seeks to build on her momentum.
Madison Keys, reflecting on her recent success after winning the Australian Open, had noted the heightened competition she faces now that she holds a Grand Slam title. As she stated, “Now the girls raise their level a lot when they play against me. It's my new reality since I won AO. That's what winning a Grand Slam does, you shoot up in the rankings and position yourself where many aspire to be.” This statement underscores the pressure and expectations that come with success at such a high level.
Despite her defeat, Keys has established herself as a formidable player on the clay surface, boasting a 74% win rate on her service games. However, she struggled with converting break points, managing only a 45% success rate in this area. This statistic may have played a role in her inability to secure the win against Kalinskaya, who capitalized on her opportunities effectively.
The head-to-head record between the two players prior to this match favored Keys, who had won their only previous encounter at the 2022 French Open. However, Kalinskaya's recent form and determination proved decisive in this latest matchup.
Looking ahead, the tournament continues to showcase thrilling matches and rising talents, with Kalinskaya's victory being a prime example of the unpredictable nature of tennis. The Charleston Open, part of the WTA 500 series, has seen several upsets and exciting performances, setting the stage for a captivating quarter-final round.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see if Kalinskaya can maintain her momentum and continue her quest for the title. With several top seeds still in contention, including Jessica Pegula and Daria Kasatkina, the competition is fierce, and every match is critical.
In conclusion, Anna Kalinskaya's victory over Madison Keys serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of professional tennis, where any player can rise to the occasion and deliver a remarkable performance. The Charleston Open promises more excitement as the quarter-finals approach, and all eyes will be on Kalinskaya as she aims to upset yet another top contender.
