Kalinskaya Upsets Keys at Credit One Charleston Open Quarterfinals

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Anna Kalinskaya pulled off a stunning upset on Thursday, defeating second seed Madison Keys in the third round of the Credit One Charleston Open. Kalinskaya won the match with a score of 6-2, 6-4, marking her first victory over a Top 10 player in 10 months.

Kalinskaya’s win came amid a series of successful performances by the top seeds in the tournament, but her triumph was especially significant given Keys’s erratic form. The World No. 5 committed 40 unforced errors and converted only one of eight break point opportunities, enabling Kalinskaya to secure a spot in her second quarterfinal of the season.

“This one is special. I needed this for my confidence. I had an unfortunate start to the year, but it’s nice to be back and playing at such a high level,” said Kalinskaya, who entered Charleston with a 4-7 record for the season.

Kalinskaya, who previously ranked as high as No. 11, had struggled early in the year and missed the Australian Open due to illness. This victory signifies a crucial turnaround as she shifts her focus to her next opponent, 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who also upset No. 5 seed Daria Kasatkina, winning 6-3, 7-6(7).

Top-seeded Jessica Pegula continued her strong performance, sailing into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic. Pegula’s consistent play has set her up for a quarterfinal clash against defending champion Danielle Collins, who overcame No. 11 seed Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-3.

“I feel like I’m playing really well,” Pegula said, reflecting on her match. “I just need to keep this momentum going.”

The tournament has seen other notable performances, with third-seeded Zheng Qinwen overcoming a tougher match to defeat No. 13 seed Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Zheng will face No. 9 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the quarterfinals, who dominated her match against No. 6 seed Diana Shnaider with a score of 6-1, 6-2.

As the quarterfinals approach, all eyes will be on the top players as they battle for a spot in the semifinals at this prestigious clay-court event.