Danielle Collins Advances After Kalinskaya’s Forfeit at Strasbourg Open

STRASBOURG, France — American tennis player Danielle Collins reached the semifinals of the Strasbourg Open after Russian Anna Kalinskaya withdrew from their quarterfinal match on May 22, 2025. Collins, ranked No. 46, will next face Liudmila Samsonova, the No. 8 seed.

Kalinskaya’s withdrawal came after she secured significant victories in previous rounds, including a notable win against top seed Jessica Pegula. She defeated Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Although Kalinskaya was excited for the challenge against Collins, her decision to withdraw was described as a precaution following her recent exertions.

Collins, on her part, expressed disappointment over not being able to compete against Kalinskaya. She has shown strong performances throughout the tournament, previously defeating Sofia Kenin and wildcard Emma Raducanu to reach the quarterfinals.

“I was really looking forward to playing her,” Collins said. “But I’ll focus on my next match against Samsonova. I want to continue my momentum.” Collins has been on an upward trajectory this season, rebounding from early setbacks to become a strong contender on clay courts.

Her upcoming match against Samsonova poses a different challenge; Samsonova is known for her strategic gameplay. Collins has faced her before but has a mixed record, making this clash crucial for both players.

The Strasbourg Open serves as an important lead-up event ahead of the French Open, and Collins aims to leverage this tournament to solidify her game. As the competition continues, fans await further developments in the tournament.