Elina Svitolina made an emphatic statement in her first match at the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships, routing last year’s runner-up Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 to breeze into the second round. The former world No. 3 and two-time Dubai champion needed just over an hour to dismantle the 15th-seeded Russian, signaling her intent to contend for a third title in the prestigious WTA 1000 event.
Vintage Svitolina On Display
From the first point, it was clear that Svitolina had brought her A-game. The Ukrainian superstar was firing on all cylinders, painting the lines with precision groundstrokes and overwhelming Kalinskaya with her aggressive court positioning. Svitolina won a staggering 75% of points on her first serve and converted six of seven break points to stamp her authority on the match.
I felt great out there today. I was focused from start to finish and really went for my shots. It’s always special to be back in Dubai where I’ve had so much success.
– Elina Svitolina
Kalinskaya Outclassed
In contrast to her spectacular run to the 2024 final, Kalinskaya had no answers for Svitolina’s relentless onslaught. The young Russian, who stunned world No. 1 Iga Swiatek en route to last year’s championship match, struggled to find any rhythm against Svitolina’s precise hitting and oppressive defense. Despite some fleeting moments of brilliance, Kalinskaya was thoroughly outclassed by a dialed-in Svitolina determined to reclaim her Dubai crown.
Svitolina Surging in 2025
After an injury-plagued 2024 season, Svitolina looks to be back to her best in the early stages of the new year. The 30-year-old already has one title under her belt in 2025 and appears primed to make a serious run at an elusive first Grand Slam title. If her form in Dubai is any indication, Svitolina will be a force to be reckoned with wherever she competes this season.
- Svitolina’s Dubai dominance: Two titles (2017, 2018), 20-4 record at the event
- Kalinskaya’s 2024 Dubai upsets: Defeated Swiatek, Pegula, Jabeur en route to final
Raducanu, Sakkari Early Winners
In other notable first-round action, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu snapped a four-match losing skid with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 win over fifth-seeded Maria Sakkari. The British No. 1 will take on 14th seed Karolina Muchova for a spot in the Round of 16.
I’m really pleased to get the win today. I thought I executed my game plan well and stayed calm under pressure. Hopefully this can be the start of a good run here in Dubai.
– Emma Raducanu
Svitolina’s Path Forward
Looming in the next round for Svitolina will be the winner of the match between Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova and Danish teenager Clara Tauson. While neither player is seeded, both have the firepower to potentially trouble the Ukrainian if she’s not at her sharpest.
However, if Svitolina can maintain the blistering form she displayed against Kalinskaya, a deep run in her Dubai comfort zone appears inevitable. With her eyes firmly set on a record-extending third title in the desert, Svitolina looks poised to remind the tennis world of just how formidable she can be when healthy and brimming with confidence.
As the 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships kick into high gear, one thing is abundantly clear: Elina Svitolina means business, and the rest of the field has officially been put on notice.
