This Thursday, Diane Parry played her fourth match in as many days at the Madrid Masters 1000. Facing Anna Kalinskaya, the challenge was a bit too high.
Diane Parry’s Madrid adventure came to an end this Thursday in the second round. After defeating, successively, Oksana Selekhmeteva and then Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the qualifications, and finally Irina-Camelia Begu yesterday in the first round, the player from Nice challenged a Top 30 player this afternoon. Her opponent was Russian Anna Kalinskaya (26 years old, world No. 29). A player who also faced some difficulties at the beginning of the season before performing well in Singapore and Charleston on clay. A surface that suits her less. Nevertheless, the Russian remains a Top 30 player. Until today, Diane Parry has only managed to win three times against players of this ranking in 21 matches.ย
Feeling confident and up against an opponent who lost five times upon entering the tournament, there was an opportunity to seize. However, the freshness factor did not work in favor of Diane Parry. Having already played three matches in as many days compared to her opponent who hadn’t yet played this week thanks to her second-round entry due to her ranking, physical condition was bound to play a role.ย
Diane Parry showed promising things
The beginning of the match was rather favorable to the Azurรฉenne. She even managed to have two break points, both saved by Anna Kalinskaya. The set progressed with both players unfolding their tennis skills. Diane Parry managed to keep up with the pace set by the Russian on her serve. Everything was decided in the tie-break. Unfortunately, Diane Parry was caught off guard by her opponent’s increase in pace. Trailing 1-6, she managed to come back to 4-6 but ultimately had to let go of the first set (7-6).
A tough blow after almost an hour of play. However, not enough to discourage the player from the Maritime Alps who went back to the fight. A very positive attitude showing that she is definitely back in business. Ready to battle, Diane Parry even managed to take a short-lived advantage by breaking at 3-2 before being broken back. Clearly eager to finish, Anna Kalinskaya accelerated once again. As Diane Parry served to stay in the match at 5-4, the Russian player had three match points and managed to close the match. Final score (7-6, 6-4) in favor of the world No. 29 after 1 hour and 45 minutes of play.ย
Nevertheless, there’s a lot of positives to take away for the player from Nice who should be seen in about ten days in Rome. With another good performance in the Italian tournament, Diane Parry could hope to return to the Top 100 in the world.ย
