Yulia Putintseva is not just playing tennis; she’s making a statement with every match. This year, she’s been on a roll, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and now causing a stir at the Cincinnati Masters by knocking out Harriet Dart in the first round. Her fierce gameplay has caught everyone’s attention, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the courts. But what really sets Putintseva apart isn’t just her skill with a racket—it’s her fiery demeanor, the kind that keeps opponents on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats.

There is an intensity in Putintseva’s eyes that reflects the fire in her belly. The star player is known for her multilingual exhortations and fierce celebrations on the court. But interestingly, anyone who knows the WTA star closely would admit that she is not a similar person off the court. Indeed, the 29-year-old has appeared to be a very soft-spoken and charming person who is often relaxed during her downtime. And Putintseva has herself admitted her dual nature. 

Speaking in the interview with WTA tennis in 2022 after her match against Kaja Juvan 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 in 3 hours and 6 minutes, Putintseva revealed the difference between her on and off-the-court traits. “I’m like a gangster on court, but like an angel off court. I knew since I was a kid.” The credit to her unique character can be attributed to her father, which even Yulia has admitted.

Born on January 7, 1995, Putintseva was introduced to the sport by her father Anton Putintsev. He has accompanied his daughter for a long time for her matches and shares similar characteristics with her. Revealing the same, Putintseva said in the same interview, “My father would tell me, ‘Yulia, your temper on the court is too much sometimes.’ But his temper was too much sometimes, too.” Continuing further, she revealed that she used to argue with her father all the time during her on-court endeavors

“We were both hard characters when we used to work together. But outside it was a lot of love and chill time. We actually never fought outside the court. But all the time on the court.” Hence, it can be rightly said that she borrows this trait from her father. But the star player does not do things intentionally. “I’m living in the moment and I’m doing what I feel I should do,” she said about her on-court gestures. But, Putintseva does not just borrow the unique trait from her father. Interestingly, the Kazhak star borrows some traits from the aggressive Danielle Collins as well!

When Putintseva let her true feelings out about Collins

Danimal and Putintseva partnered for the only time in 2022 when they played three matches together on the clay courts. Their partnership was a spectacle for fans provided the similar fierce attitude that both the players share. Even Putinsteva expressed her fondness for the American star. 

In the interview, Putinsteva said, “I love her (Collins),” when quizzed about their partnership goals. “She’s a character. She’s also pretty tough on the court but chill outside the court. We went for dinner a couple times, she’s very funny. In doubles we’re both there to have fun and bring our fire.” While the partnership was indeed short-lived, the players must have enjoyed some good company with each other!

As the ongoing Cincinnati Open campaign progresses for Putintseva, it would be interesting to see how her fierce attitude helps her as she gears up to take over Coco Gauff in the second round.