A qualifier for Anna Kalinskaya

Anna Kalinskaya is preparing for her debut on European clay in Madrid. The Russian tennis player will face French qualifier Diane Parry, who disposed of Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu (6-3 6-4) in two sets in the first round of the WTA 1000 in Madrid.

Between the Muscovite and the Frenchwoman, who made it through the qualifying round of the Mutua Madrid Open by eliminating Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the last round, there is no precedent: it will therefore be the first challenge on the WTA circuit between Kalinskaya and Parry.

Last season the Russian had exited immediately in her debut against Czech Sara Bejlek on the clay of Caja Magica, while two years ago she made it all the way to the third round. Anna will have to confirm the good things she showed in the last American tournaments, with the hope of moving up the WTA ranking, which now sees her in 29th place.

After Madrid, it will be time for the Internazionali d’Italia: in Rome she could finally re-embrace Jannik Sinner. Then in late May Roland Garros, which will close the season on clay.