KALININA: “I went home for the first time in September – it was the best 7 days”

Ukraine’s first racket Angelina Kalinina He blogged for the ITF’s official website, where he summarized the season completed and talked about the impact of the war in Ukraine on performances on the tour:

“I’m proud to have played almost a full season of WTA. I think the only tournament I missed was Guadalajara and the whole September when I was sick, but I also played in all of the biggest competitions. I had good results – the fourth round in Miami, the quarterfinals in Charleston, Madrid and Eastbourne. , so it was a very good experience for me. I’ve played a lot of top players this season. Last year I was playing at the ITF level consistently, so it’s great that I’m getting a full-fledged performance in the WTA.

Actually, this is a very complex calendar. We started playing in Australia, then we went back to Doha, then America and then Europe. This is my first time acting like this. I’ve been playing in the ITF in previous years, so it was a completely different program for me. Now it’s time to move to one part of the world, then to another part of the world, go from hard to mud, etc. I understand how difficult it is. Everything is a new experience, a new program, new players. No matter how hard it is, it’s very motivating.

I know I can compete with these players. I’ve won some and lost some, but I feel like I’m moving in the right direction and I have a lot to improve to stay consistent at this level. This year I saw the talents of top players, how strong they are. Everyone is competitive but the top 30 players are incredible because they stay there all year.

Next year I need to be more stable. I never thought about my ranking this season, I tried to play every game as well as I could. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not so much. But next year I already know all the tournaments and I know what to expect from them. I hope I can improve my movement, shots, serve and make another move. As Nadal said, you have to improve every day.

My husband is on Tour with me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but my fitness instructor couldn’t go because of the war, so this year I’ve lived without proper physical training. I’m living in Slovakia for the pre-season and can’t wait to see how things go.

The war had a huge impact on my life and the lives of all the other inhabitants of Ukraine. I have to do my best and try to concentrate while doing my job. But in February, I couldn’t concentrate on anything. Much more than tennis… more than just sports. It affects the whole country and all people. My whole family is there. It’s impossible to put into words how this has affected me, but I’m trying my best right now.

I tried to find positive moments in my work on the tennis court, but it was very difficult. I try to relax as much as possible. I talk to my family on the phone and try to stay in touch with them as much as possible. In September, I went home for the first time in a whole year. I went to Kiev by train. The road there took almost a day. It was emotionally insane.

The last time I was in Kiev was on February 17, and a week later the war began. I left with my husband to play in Doha and then it all started. Being able to go to my family, my brother, my grandparents for seven days in September was the best time…the best seven days of the year. Everyone was there, at home. My husband’s mother and brother, all the dogs, all the cats, they were all there. This was the most enjoyable time I’ve had this year. I couldn’t leave my family for a second. It was the best time.

It was very difficult, but I have my people, my friends, very close friends. Everyone is as supportive as they can, I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me and my family. To everyone who supported us… Thank you, I am grateful.”

Note that on December 5, Kalinina will play in a tournament in France.