Elina Svitolina defeats Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in Dubai

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina had a commanding start at the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, defeating Russian Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour. This victory marks Svitolina's second win over Kalinskaya, having previously triumphed in their last encounter at the 2024 Rome Open. Svitolina dominated the match, winning 75% of her first serve points and converting six of seven break points. Kalinskaya, who reached last year's final after defeating several top players, struggled to find her rhythm and has now lost her last three matches. The former world No. 3 will advance to face either Rebecca Sramkova or Clara Tauson in the second round. Svitolina, a two-time former champion in Dubai, aims to reclaim her former glory at this prestigious event.