Tennis has a way of pushing even the calmest players to their limits, and Anna Kalinskaya is the latest to feel that pressure. Known for her cool and composed demeanor, the Russian star found herself in an uncharacteristic moment at the China Open. The heat of the tournament seems to have gotten to her, as she struggled to keep her usual poise during her first match in Beijing. For fans used to seeing Kalinskaya’s steady play, this lapse was a surprise, but it just goes to show that even the toughest players can have their breaking points in the intensity of competition.

Playing against American star Hailey Baptiste in the second round, Kalinskaya seemed to face struggling times. Despite advancing to the third round, it can be rightly said that the player had to fight hard to oust her American counterpart in a three-set match, which she won 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(5). And what unfolded amidst these challenges was a rage from Kalinskaya that hardly anyone would have anticipated.

The Russian player lost a crucial point in the third set when it was tied at 5-5. She shot the ball with a little too much power and ended up landing outside the court. This agitated the star player, who smashed the racquet against the ground several times before tossing it up in the air. With her opponent gaining a lead, Kalinskaya failed to deuce the point again and lost it to Baptiste’s witty gameplay. This further fumed the player, as she was spotted throwing her racquet in the direction of her chair after Baptiste led the set 6-5. Interestingly, this gesture is quite against Kalinskaya’s regular traits.

The World No. 14 is usually calm on the courts and has often been on the receiving end, witnessing her opponents lose their cool. A recent example was seen this year at the Dubai Open when Iga Swiatek lost her temper while playing against Kalinskaya, where the latter won in straight sets. Swiatek smashed the racquet hard on the court, with such intensity that it slipped from her hand. Subsequently, she was handed a warning for racquet abuse. The Russian player has, in fact, highlighted how staying calm has helped her excel in her skills.

After defeating Swiatek in the same match, Kalinskaya highlighted the perks of being calm on the court. “She’s a great player. I knew if I didn’t stay calm and I didn’t stay aggressive, she was gonna destroy me!” With Kalinskaya displaying such maturity in the past, her latest gesture is indeed surprising for the tennis community. Interestingly, Kalinskaya has not just surprised fans with her latest rage but also with a new partnership at the China Open.

Anna Kalinskaya spotted in a new outfit at China Open

Anna Kalinskaya is not just capturing headlines for the aggressive gestures she demonstrated on court but also because of the change in her apparel that was seen during her match. The star player has now joined her boyfriend Jannik Sinner, as the two are sponsored by the same sportswear brand: Nike. 

During her match against Hailey Baptiste, Kalinskaya was spotted wearing lilac Nike apparel, which confirmed a change in her sponsors. Earlier, the star player donned tennis outfits sponsored by Alo. However, she was seen in Nike outfits even during the practice sessions in Beijing, which hinted at a potential change. Remember, besides Kalinskaya, her boyfriend Sinner is also sponsored by the sportswear giant.

Nike signed a $158 million deal with Jannik Sinner in 2022. The Italian dynamo has often showcased his apparel and footwear that have emerged as a result of this partnership. For now, it will be interesting to see if Kalinskaya can retain her calm and composed side and make a strong run at the China Open.