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Kalinina's entire family is now in Kyiv
following Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- which Moscow calls a
"special military operation" -- but constantly face danger. A
bomb recently exploded near a tennis academy that her parents
run.
The 26-year-old said her elderly grandparents had also relocated
from their family home in the southern city of Nova Kakhovka,
which is currently occupied by Russian soldiers.
"It's really important to win every match, because of what
Ukraine goes through," Kalinina said after her 7-5 5-7 6-2 win
on Friday.
"I really hope that I give a tiny, small light, maybe some
positive emotions for my country. So I really hope that Ukraine
enjoys a little bit."
Kalinina did not shake hands with Kudermetova at the net after
the match.
"We didn't shake hands because the girl is from Russia
basically. It's no secret why I didn't shake, because this
country attacked Ukraine," Kalinina said.
"This is sport, I understand, but it's also kind of a political
thing. It's nothing personal. But in general, yes, it's not
acceptable."
Kalinina will meet Moscow-born Kazakh Elena Rybakina in the
final later on Saturday and the world number 47 can expect huge
support from fans at the Foro Italico in Rome.
"The crowd was supporting me so much during the two weeks,"
Kalinina said.
"It's an amazing feeling. I've never experienced something like
that. They bring so much energy to fight when you don't even
have energy to do that," Kalinina said.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Simon
Cameron-Moore)
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