During her match against fellow Russian player Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Cincinnati Open, Anna Kalinskaya faced an unexpected challenge—not from her opponent, but from the crowd. Several individuals in the stands became increasingly disruptive, drawing attention away from the match and frustrating both players.

Kalinskaya’s Reaction

As the noise escalated, Kalinskaya turned to the umpire and remarked, “I think maybe they’re drunk or something…” Her comment reflected the confusion and irritation caused by the behavior of the spectators. The umpire responded candidly, saying, “They probably are,” acknowledging the likelihood that alcohol was fueling the disturbance.

Impact on the Match Atmosphere

The exchange between Kalinskaya and the umpire highlighted a moment of shared exasperation. While tennis matches are known for their decorum and respectful audience behavior, this incident broke the usual rhythm. The distraction seemed to affect the concentration on court, with both players pausing to address the situation.

Broader Concerns About Crowd Behavior

This episode raises questions about crowd management and the responsibilities of tournament organizers. Ensuring a respectful and focused environment is essential not only for the athletes but also for the integrity of the competition. Disruptions like these, especially when fueled by intoxication, can undermine the experience for everyone involved.

Kalinskaya’s Composure

Despite the interruption, Kalinskaya maintained her composure and continued to compete with determination. Her ability to stay focused amid the chaos demonstrated professionalism and resilience. Moments like these reveal the mental toughness required at the highest levels of the sport.

Kalinskaya in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025

At the moment ranked no.34, the Russian has achieved a composed 19-15 match record in 2025. The Russian is currently having a run in Cincinnati where she managed to beat the world no.53 Peyton Stearns 7-6(4) 4-6 6-1, the world no.8 Amanda Anisimova 7-5 6-4 and the world no.16 Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6 7-6(5) 6-1.

Anna Kalinskaya will face the world no.3 Iga Swiatek in the quarter. Their actual record is 1-0 for Kalinskaya.

Kalinskaya was the runner-up in Washington (Mubadala Citi DC Open).