Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina hopes Rome run provides some comfort for Ukraine
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Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina celebrates after defeating Russia's Veronika Kudermetova in their semi-final.
PHOTO: AFP
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ROME – Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina said she was determined to give her war-torn country something to cheer about with her achievements on the tennis court, after beating Russian 11th seed Veronika Kudermetova on Friday to reach the final of the Italian Open.
Kalinina’s entire family is now in Kyiv following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but constantly face danger. A bomb recently exploded near a tennis academy that her parents run.
The 26-year-old said her elderly grandparents had also relocated from their family home in the southern city of Nova Kakhovka, which is currently occupied by Russian soldiers.
“It’s really important to win every match, because of what Ukraine goes through,” she said, after her 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 win.
“I really hope that I give a tiny, small light, maybe some positive emotions for my country. So I really hope that Ukraine enjoys a little bit.”
Kalinina did not shake hands with Kudermetova at the net after the match.
“We didn’t shake hands because the girl is from Russia basically. It’s no secret why I didn’t shake, because this country attacked Ukraine,” she explained.
“This is sport, I understand, but it’s also kind of a political thing. It’s nothing personal. But in general, yes, it’s not acceptable.”
Kalinina was up against Moscow-born Kazakh Elena Rybakina in the final on Saturday – the result of their match was not available at press time – and the world No. 47 was expecting huge support from fans at the Foro Italico in Rome.
“The crowd was supporting me so much during the two weeks,” Kalinina said.
“It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve never experienced something like that. They bring so much energy to fight when you don’t even have energy to do that.”
Rybakina beat Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 in a semi-final that was delayed by more than an hour – and then interrupted – due to persistent rain.
Regardless of what happens in the final, the Wimbledon champion and Australian Open finalist said that she was pleased with her performance in Rome.
“It was a really tough day overall, with all the rain delays. I’m just happy to be in the final,” Rybakina said.
“I’m happy that physically I can maintain and stay so long in the tournament till the end.” REUTERS, AFP
