Swiatek defeated by Kalinskaya in Dubai semi-finals!
A big sensation in Dubai, where Anna Kalinskaya put in a superb performance to beat Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals. The Russian, ranked 40th in the world and a qualifier, won in 1 hour 41 minutes, 6/4, 6/4. In the final, she will meet Jasmine Paolini, a completely unexpected opponent at this stage of the competition.
Swiatek got off to a good start in this semi-final. The world n°1 broke in the 6th game of the 1st set to lead 4/2. But Kalinskaya then played 6 consecutive games to take the 1st set and break in the 2nd (6/4, 2/0).
The Russian even increased her lead in the 7th game, making the double break to lead 5/2. The difference was made and the Polish player's subsequent break didn't change a thing. So far, Kalinskaya has had the perfect week, losing just one set in 7 matches played. All that remains is for her to win the 8th.