Kalinina: I almost fell in the locker room because I started having cramps in my leg

The first racket of Ukraine Angelina Kalinina spoke about her injury final match WTA 1000 tournament in Rome.

“In any case, I am proud of myself, despite the fact that today I did not finish the match. These two weeks have been incredible for me.”

“I felt at the limit of my own physical abilities, especially today. I had problems with my leg after the match against Haddad Maya. In the semi-finals, I pushed myself to play. Then I succeeded. But today, after the start, after 2-3 games, I couldn’t do it any longer. I tried, but it was absolutely impossible.”

“I think the fatigue has been around since Tuesday of this week. It is clear that now we do not plan to play or work on something. I think that for about four days I will completely rest and recuperate.”

“I believe that I made the absolutely right decision not to continue the match, although purely emotionally I would like to play. After I left the court, I almost collapsed in the locker room because my leg started to cramp. So, yes, it was really the right decision and I really need a rest.”

“I am most proud of my fighting spirit. I fought in spite of the score, in spite of any circumstances, weather, opponents… They were all very tough opponents, I had a serious draw. So, yes, I am very proud that I was able to compete at this level, in such quality matches, and was able to win against them.

“I have no expectations. I would say that I have my goals for my tennis, but it’s not a scoring ambition. I only think about points when I actually think about ranking. In general, I try to focus on my game, on what I need to improve. And I need to improve a lot (smiles). There is a lot of work that I have to do. Therefore, I have ambitions only for my own game, and not about something else that does not concern the game itself.

The Ukrainian lost to Elena Rybakina from Kazakhstan in the final match of the tournament in Rome. In the second set after the first game played, Kalinina called the doctor to the court, pointing out problems with her left leg. After consultations, Angelina decided to stop the fight.

Thanks to reaching the final, Kalinina earned 272,200 euros in prize money and 650 rating points. On Monday, the Ukrainian will update her record and rise to 25th place in the WTA rankings.