For some, it’s a battle of wits. For others, a battle of utmost concentration. But for Russian tennis star Anna Kalinskaya, only one thing matters on the court. She’s playing to win.
“I’m just very passionate about winning, and about competing. To get to feel these emotions whilst playing in front of a crowd; the atmosphere of it all—it’s just a very special feeling,” proclaims Kalinskaya, who was just in town for the Singapore Tennis Open 2025, the first professional women’s tennis tournament since the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals in 2018. True enough, the season saw the tennis first seed swing her way through a series of matches with peerless skill, coupled with a tenacity one can often only spot in the most fearsome of athletes. It was all the more evident considering Kalinskaya’s current situation; previously pulling out from the 2025 Australian Open due to a debilitating back injury.
Her first victory of the season alone was a masterclass in resilience, as the World No. 18 battled it out against American player Caroline Dolehide to come out on top despite a medical timeout in the second set of her match. And despite her eventual decision to retire from her match against Ann Li at the semifinals, there was no denying that it had been a good run of back-to-back matches for the Russian top seed.
So with sharpshooting goals and dreams of her own, how does one of the world’s best tennis players get around to earning her place on the court? Here, Kalinskaya shares with us her first brush with the beloved sport, how she defines success and the advice she would give to any aspiring pro player.
How did you first get into tennis?
My cousin, who’s older than me, used to play tennis. I saw her playing, so I also wanted to try it for myself, because I used to spend a lot of time with her when I was little. It was when I was four and a half? Almost five years old.
When and how did you decide you wanted to go pro?
I think the most important decision I made was after juniors—to go pro. I really wanted to play and I believed I was good as a tennis player and could be a top player. It was when I was 18 or 19 years old; I realised I really wanted to give tennis my 100% and just do it.
When you’re out on the court, what drives you the most?
I think it’s just my personality; I hate to lose. I’m just very passionate about winning, and about competing. To get to feel these emotions whilst playing in front of a crowd; the atmosphere of it all—it’s just a very special feeling. For me to play and to win. So that’s what drives me to play more and more—it’s to win.
Who are the athletes or fellow players who inspire you?
I had the chance to see a couple of Russian athletes—athletes from my country—recently, all doing different sports. Not one specific person, just different athletes across sports like gymnastics, athletic running and jumping. I could see how hard they work every single day, and it was a great experience for me to see how diligent they are. It was like an extra boost of inspiration for me.
A piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
To have good discipline, but also to enjoy what you do at the same time. Because if you love what you do then it won’t be so hard for you. Like, of course there will still be times it feels hard, but mentally, it’s different if you enjoy it.
In regard to the Singapore Tennis Open 2025, how are you finding your time here? What were your expectations going in?
I had a good time preparing for the tournament here, I feel very lucky with all these comfortable facilities here. Of course, I want to win the tournament, that’s why I’m here. But I try. I just take it day by day, and I strive to improve myself. That’s the most important part.
What is the most challenging aspect of being a professional tennis player?
It’s definitely being far away from home, travelling so much, and the jet lag that comes with different time zones. That’s the most challenging part to me.
How would you define success, be it on or off the court?
For me, it’s just about knowing yourself. There is no other person who knows yourself better than you. So just knowing that every day, I give it my all and I’m trying and pushing myself to the best of my ability. I just go day by day telling myself: “Okay, today, I did my best.” That’s what success is to me.
How do you unwind or relax after spending most of your time on court?
Well, I don’t have too many days off, so I try to let my body recover. I love going to the spa when I have a chance. Or just watch a good movie. If I have friends with me, I will always prefer going out to do something, like going to the theatre or an art museum.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to go pro?
To not compare yourself to anyone. Of course, it’s good to learn from different players and and be inspired. But don’t be hard on yourself. Just work on yourself and your own rhythm and soon enough, things will fall into place.
Lastly, what do you love most about tennis?
For me, it’s the emotions that I feel out on the court. Because I don’t think there are any other situations or opportunities in life where I can ever feel the same way. I also love learning about different cultures and meeting so many different people from all walks of life through tennis.
