Tennis and its stars are feeling the effects of the continuation of the War in Ukraine, which began with the Russian invasion at the end of February. What the organizers feared happened at Wimbledon: the victory of a Russian player naturalized Kazakh for economic reasons, victorious despite the British ban for Russian and Belarusian athletes Anhelina Kalinina gave a summary at the end of the season, explaining how the dynamics of war played a fundamental role in her adventure on the Tour.
The Ukrainian tennis player, despite the tragedy of the war that is affecting her country, has experienced the best season on the court of her career. The world number 34, capable of beating players like Garbine Muguruza and Maria Sakkari over the last twelve months, said: “When I do my job I always try to concentrate as much as possible and do it as best I can, but since the war in february i couldn’t think of anything else.”
Anhelina Kalinina: “The war in Ukraine affects a large part of my life”
She then added: “The war affects so much of my life and my loved ones. It goes beyond sports, it’s so much more, not even words can explain it.
I just know that I’m trying to do what I can for myself and for them right now. I obviously tried to look for positive aspects on the tennis court, but it wasn’t easy. I try to relax more, to hear from my family more often, to spend as much time with them as possible.
In September I returned to Ukraine after almost seven months of absence, it took me almost a day to get to Kiev. Emotionally it was very difficult. Coming home to my parents, brother and grandparents for seven days in September was my highlight.
It was the best seven days of the year. Everyone was at home, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law were there, as well as all the dogs and cats we have. It was the most enjoyable moment I’ve had this season, I couldn’t tear myself away from them for a moment.”
