PARIS, JUN 1 (IANS): Anna Kalinskaya produced one of the most dramatic victories of the 2026 French Open, defeating compatriot Anastasia Potapova in a thrilling three-set encounter to secure her maiden quarter-final berth at Roland Garros. The 22nd seed battled for two hours and 49 minutes on Court Suzanne-Lenglen before prevailing 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(7) against the 28th seed. The contest was marked by frequent momentum swings, with both players holding the upper hand at different stages.
Kalinskaya recovered from 4-1 down in the opening set to take the lead, but Potapova responded strongly in the second, forcing a decider. The final set proved even more dramatic. Potapova rallied from 1-4 down and twice served for the match at 5-4 and 6-5, only for Kalinskaya to hold firm and extend the contest into a tie-break.
The tie-break itself was a rollercoaster. Potapova surged ahead 4-1 and appeared on course for victory, but a series of errors allowed Kalinskaya to mount a stunning comeback. The Russian held her nerve to complete the turnaround and seal her place in the last eight.
Reflecting on the match, Kalinskaya admitted she was still processing the intensity of the battle, praising her opponent and highlighting the emotional nature of the contest. Her composure under pressure proved decisive, particularly when facing Potapova’s match points. The victory improved Kalinskaya’s head-to-head record against Potapova to 3-0 and marked only her second Grand Slam quarter-final, following her breakthrough at the 2024 Australian Open. It also represents her fifth clay-court quarter-final overall.
Kalinskaya will now face either French hope Diane Parry or Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska for a place in her first Grand Slam semi-final.
Vallejo fined $65,000 for sexist remarks on umpire, Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo has been fined $65,000 (£48,300) by French Open organisers for making sexist remarks about Brazilian chair umpire Ana Carvalho following his second-round defeat at Roland Garros.
Vallejo, ranked World No. 71, questioned Carvalho’s ability to manage the atmosphere during his loss to French teenager Moise Kouame, suggesting that a match of such importance should have been officiated by a man. His comments, published in Clay magazine, drew sharp criticism and were condemned by tournament officials as “unacceptable.”
Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo confirmed the fine, noting it was among the largest in Grand Slam history and amounted to nearly half of Vallejo’s prize money. Players reaching the second round earn €130,000 ($151,000), meaning the penalty significantly reduced his earnings. Vallejo later issued a public apology on Instagram, stating: “I have respect for the umpires and for the job they do. After a five-hour battle, I was very heated and felt a lot of emotions. I apologise.”
Under Grand Slam rules, players can be fined up to $100,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct. Vallejo’s penalty, though below the maximum, ranks among the severest, overshadowing his campaign and reigniting debate over respect for officials in professional tennis.