Anna Kalinskaya, the 26-year-old Russian tennis star, has been turning heads at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., with a commanding performance that propelled her into the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 event. Her impressive streak, marked by dominant victories, caught the attention of her ex-boyfriend, Nick Kyrgios, who broke his silence with a succinct four-word reaction: “Always loved this event.” The Australian maverick’s comment, posted on social media, was a nod to Kalinskaya’s success and a reflection on his own fond memories of the tournament, where he claimed the title in 2019. The exchange adds a layer of intrigue to their shared history, set against the backdrop of Kalinskaya’s rise on the hard courts.
Kalinskaya’s journey in Washington began with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 win over qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round, showcasing her aggressive baseline game and pinpoint accuracy. She followed it with a commanding 6-4, 6-0 rout of No. 8 seed Magda Linette in the second round, a performance that underscored her growing confidence. This marked her third quarterfinal appearance at the Citi DC Open, a testament to her consistency at the event where she reached the semifinals in 2019. Now ranked World No. 39, Kalinskaya is set to face No. 4 seed Clara Tauson in the last eight, with a potential semifinal matchup against top players like Elena Rybakina looming. Her 2025 season has been a breakout, with a fourth-round run at the Australian Open and a career-high ranking of No. 11 earlier this year.
Kyrgios, who dated Kalinskaya briefly in 2020, has been sidelined from competitive tennis since 2023 due to persistent knee, foot, and wrist injuries. Yet, his presence in the sport remains electric, whether through his outspoken commentary or social media quips. His four-word reaction to Kalinskaya’s success was a rare moment of warmth, contrasting with past controversies, including a widely criticized “second serve” comment in 2024 that many interpreted as a jab at Kalinskaya’s then-relationship with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. That remark, which Kyrgios later deleted after backlash, sparked accusations of misogyny and calls for his removal from ESPN’s US Open commentary team. “Abusive? What’s abusive about what I said? I had no intention to say anything about it,” Kyrgios defended at the time, insisting the comment was misinterpreted.
The history between Kyrgios and Kalinskaya adds context to his latest gesture. Their relationship, which began with courtside support at the 2019 Citi Open and a public appearance at an LA Lakers game, ended tumultuously. Kalinskaya confirmed their split in 2020, stating, “We broke up. We aren’t friends. I understand you are his fans and it’s cool but I’m not going to talk about him. Have some respect for me as well please.” She later softened her stance, calling Kyrgios a “good person” and denying negative social media posts were aimed at him. Despite their rocky past, Kyrgios’ recent comment suggests a moment of reconciliation, focusing on their shared connection to Washington’s hard courts. “I enjoy watching and breaking down the WTA tour,” Kyrgios has said, affirming his appreciation for players like Kalinskaya.
Kalinskaya’s Washington run is part of a resurgent 2025, following a challenging period marked by her split with Sinner in May. The pair, who confirmed their relationship in early 2024, parted ways after reports of tension, with Sinner stating, “I’m not in a relationship. So, whoever is asking, that’s it. It’s all good.” Kalinskaya has since let her tennis do the talking, with a 62% win rate on hard courts and notable wins over players like Sloane Stephens and Arantxa Rus. Her versatility shines in doubles as well, having won titles in St. Petersburg and Prague with partners like Caty McNally.
Kyrgios’ comment also reflects his own history at the Citi DC Open, where he famously employed underhand serves—a tactic Kalinskaya once credited him for inspiring. “I think you knew why I did it. Because I was watching Nick Kyrgios,” she said in 2019 after using the shot to win a point. His 2019 title run, marked by a 143 mph ace, remains a career highlight, and his social media post evokes that nostalgia. Now 29, Kyrgios has hinted at a potential return to competition, possibly at the 2026 French Open, while continuing to engage fans as a commentator and through his Evolve management firm, which represents both him and Kalinskaya.
As Kalinskaya battles for a semifinal spot, her Washington performance signals her readiness for the US Open, where she stunned Stephens in 2019. Kyrgios’ brief but poignant reaction underscores the complex interplay of personal and professional ties in tennis, where past relationships and shared triumphs linger on the court. With her powerful forehand and steely focus, Kalinskaya is writing a new chapter, one that even her controversial ex can’t help but applaud from afar.
Leave a Reply