'I don’t have any nerves left', says Kalinskaya after epic journey to last eight
Monday’s fourth-round clash between Anastasia Potapova and Anna Kalinskaya was a tale of two mindsets, a tempestuous tussle that ebbed and flowed like the river Seine.
In the end it was Kalinskaya who threw the last punches, landing a flurry of game-breaking forehands to seize a third-set tiebreak and reach a first RG quarterfinal with a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7) victory.
“I’m shocked, I can’t believe the match is over and I’m standing here doing an interview now,” Kalinskaya said after improving to 3-0 lifetime against Potapova. “What a match – unbelievable fight from both of us until the last second.
"I’ve played against her many times but this one was definitely special – she improved a lot so today was super challenging.”
On a beautiful Monday afternoon on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, two polar opposites angled for one common goal: a trip to a maiden quarterfinal on the Parisian clay.
Jangled nerves, marathon games, missed opportunities, highlight reel rallies, second chances – this one had it all, including eight breaks of serve in a wild final set that saw Potapova rally from 4-1 down to serve for the match twice.
Potapova, fiery and emotional throughout the contest, failed to close it out both times – credit a stoic Kalinskaya for producing a proper response time and time again. She came back from 4-1 down in the match tiebreak, winning nine of the final 12 points to claim the biggest clay-court win of her career.
“I don’t have any nerves left,” she said after the match.
Potopova shook up the women’s draw two days ago by taking out defending champion Coco Gauff in three sets. Now it’s Kalinskaya’s turn to carry the torch into her second career Grand Slam quarterfinal.
What's the secret to her best ever result in Paris?
"I think I just take this clay season very easy mentally," Kalinskaya said. "I don't put too much pressure to do well. I guess it helps.
"Of course, I practise all the same, and every year I feel more comfortable on clay with the experience, but I didn't have any expectations on clay for myself."
It’s a remarkable turn in clay-court fortunes for Kalinskaya – she entered the draw with just one win in her previous four appearances in Paris. She will now face qualifier Maja Chwalinska, the world No.114, in the quarterfinals.
"I'm just happy where I am," Kalinskaya said. "Thinking two weeks ago that I will be here, I wouldn't believe it. I would probably laugh with my team.
Here I am, so I will try to enjoy and just do my best."
ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
