An underrated Ukrainian woman

Few remember it...

… but Kalinina was Ukrainian number 1 in 2023. Yes, ahead of Svitolina! Golden years between 2021 and 2024, before a descent close to hell. A slight bounce back with a semifinal in Brisbane in 2025, then back to nothingness. A string of injuries, retirements, and even a walkover at Wimbledon. This was followed by a six‑month break, away from the media, in complete silence.

She reappears at the end of 2025 at the Limoges Challenger, with two interviews, including one where she clearly talks about her desire to get back into the top 50. Limoges is played on very fast indoor hard, conditions that suit her perfectly, all the more so as she had already won this tournament in 2022. And bingo: she wins it again. A huge confidence boost.

The qualifying matches here were rock solid. She’s moving well, ready to make the most of her 1.80 meters and big wingspan on the court. Angie actually covers a lot of ground, even if she can sometimes look a bit stiff. The ball is struck very hard, she overwhelms her opponent quickly in just a few shots.

Wang may indeed be coming off a first final against Svitolina in Auckland, but I can’t forget a more than average 2025 season. She still has a fairly slender frame, not necessarily built to absorb Kalinina’s raw power. With full confidence, I see a Chinese player overwhelmed in every area of the game, forced to cover an enormous amount of ground on this quick surface.