Jan 15, 2024 at 2:32 PM Update: a day ago
Arantxa Rus is happy that after four years she has finally survived the first round of a Grand Slam tournament. Her victory on Monday over the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina at the Australian Open should contribute to a place in the global top thirty.
“Because of what I experienced with my father, I have learned to put things into perspective. I now just enjoy every day and no longer see so many problems,” said Rus, who lost her father a year ago. “I now also have a team around me that feels very familiar.”
With her mother and sister in the stands, Rus was much too strong for Kalinina on Monday: 6-1 and 6-0. The world number 45 emphasized that the result is flattering. “The score looks very solid. But there were a few very long games that were very important, including one of twenty minutes. They all went my way.”
“I played very well and aggressively and I also served well. I was able to disrupt her well. It’s great that the hard work of recent years has now culminated in a Grand Slam tournament,” said Rus, who has played in the past twelve participation in a Grand Slam was immediately eliminated.
Rus thinks it is special that she is still making progress at the age of 33. “My goal is to win some more matches at the Grand Slams this year and take a step up again. My goal for this year is the top thirty.”
On Wednesday, the Russian will play in the second round against the Russian Anna Kalinskaya (WTA-75), who defeated the American Katie Volynets (WTA-103). “I don’t immediately see it as a bigger opportunity because I have now won against a ranked player. Everyone here can play tennis well.”
