“I was not surprised that I did well because I could feel it from the first match in 2024 that something is different,”  a confident Anna Kalinskaya said about her 2024 season. A year of mixed emotions for the Russian superstar, she soared to new heights and ended her year on a personal best record. With the new season coming in, she opened up on her challenges and how she feels about the next step in her career.

Anna Kalinskaya feels proud and excited about her progress as she prepares for the Australian Open 2025. In a video posted by WTARussians, Kalinskaya said, “I think last year I played the (qualifying) if I’m not wrong and now being a seeded I don’t have to play the first round makes me super happy and super proud of myself. I want to keep working and see how much I can do and I am very excited to improve and play as many matches as I can. I’m happy where I am now.”

Her performance at the Australian Open 2024 turned heads. Kalinskaya reached the quarterfinals, surprising many with her strong gameplay. However, Qinwen Zheng stopped her impressive run in a closely fought three-set match. Her 2024 journey came with challenges as Kalinskaya dealt with injuries. She injured her right forearm during her third-round match against Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon 2024. The injury forced her to retire while trailing by a set and down 0-3 in the second set.

Despite the setbacks, Kalinskaya achieved significant milestones. She reached her career-high ranking of world No. 11 on October 28, 2024. Earlier in the year, she advanced to her first WTA 1000 final at the Dubai Tennis Championships, marking a breakthrough in her career.

Coming into the new season, Anna Kalinskaya revealed her plans for the upcoming season in a bid to join the elite list of players.

Anna Kalinskaya sets her sights on joining the elite ranks of Sabalenka and Swiatek in 2025

Anna Kalinskaya is gearing up for the 2025 season with clear goals and a focus on staying healthy. She will start her year at the Brisbane International before heading to the Australian Open. Kalinskaya has made it clear that her primary goal is to maintain her physical well-being, believing it will pave the way for greater achievements.

“If I can stay healthy, good things will follow,” Kalinskaya said in an exclusive interview with Harper Bazaar, suggesting her confidence in closing the gap between her and the world’s top players, such as Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. She says the difference between her and these elite players is small, and she is determined to bridge it.

Kalinskaya shared her strategy for achieving this: “I think [the key is to] change some things in my life — not training, but adjust a little bit my lifestyle to make it more simple, enjoy things on my off days to have a good balance. And have a better schedule to know when you can see your friends so you can be happier outside of the court. I can get recharged, so I can compete better and have more energy, and be better mentally.” She further added, “Then, I can be as good as them.”

With this approach, Kalinskaya believes she can reach the same level as the world’s best. But, will she manage her schedule the right way and get on top? What do you think?