In a striking revelation that pits two contrasting personalities against each other, Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya has opened up about her stark differences with world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The 26-year-old Kalinskaya has faced a challenging journey on the court recently, struggling to find her rhythm. With a disappointing record of 21 victories out of 38 matches this year, her win percentage of just over 55 is the lowest she has experienced in five years. This downturn follows two years of consistent performance where she maintained a win percentage exceeding 60.
Kalinskaya’s year has seen its high points, including a noteworthy run to the finals at the DC Open in Washington, where she fell to Leylah Fernandez in a lopsided match, losing 6-1, 6-2. Her most recent appearance at the US Open showcased her resilience, despite being eliminated in the third round by the formidable Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion, in a hard-fought contest that ended 7-6, 6-4. This was a significant achievement for Kalinskaya, marking her best performance at a Grand Slam this season, having previously struggled to advance past the second round in the earlier majors. She missed out on the Australian Open and faced early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Contrastingly, Aryna Sabalenka basked in glory after successfully defending her title at the US Open, triumphing over Amanda Anisimova in a gripping final. This victory not only secured her first Grand Slam title of the year but also offered a sweet taste of revenge after being ousted by Anisimova at Wimbledon. Following her win, Sabalenka was exuberant, declaring her desire to celebrate her hard-fought victory with friends, stating, “Oh, girl, we’re going to drink! I worked hard, and now it’s time to celebrate, absorb it, let it sink in, and just enjoy the moment.” She expressed pride in her ability to manage her emotions during the intense final, a feat she recognized as crucial to her success.
In a candid interview with First&Red, Kalinskaya delved into her contrasting approach to social situations, emphasizing how her personality stands in stark contrast to Sabalenka’s exuberance. While Sabalenka thrives in the limelight and revels in social gatherings, Kalinskaya admitted, “I get tired! Probably that’s one of the biggest reasons why I don’t like it [going to parties]. Because I don’t recharge from people. I recharge from my friends, from those I know.” She candidly acknowledged that unlike Sabalenka, her energy is derived from close relationships rather than larger social interactions, stating, “I’m the complete opposite of Aryna. I would probably like to recharge from this after all, but so far it hasn’t worked for me.”
As the tennis world watches these two players navigate their careers, their divergent paths highlight not just their on-court battles but also the unique personalities that fuel their journeys. Kalinskaya’s introspective nature juxtaposed with Sabalenka’s vibrant celebrations paints a fascinating picture of the complexities within professional sports, where success can manifest in many forms.
