Emotional Moments at the 2025 China Open
During her match at the 2025 China Open, Anna Kalinskaya experienced a visibly emotional moment that concerned her fans. The Russian player faced Camila Osorio in the round of 64, where she was considered the more skilled competitor, especially on hard courts. However, Kalinskaya, a former Australian Open quarterfinalist, stumbled greatly at the beginning of the match, allowing Osorio to take control early on with a 6-1, 3-0 lead without much resistance from her opponent.
Struggles and Support
From the beginning, Kalinskaya appeared to struggle, leaving many to question whether she was dealing with a physical ailment or simply having an off day. By the time the match reached the ten-game mark, her position was precarious as she was trailing significantly.
Overwhelmed by the situation, an emotional Kalinskaya found herself at the back of the court, turning away from the cameras in distress. In a touching moment captured on video, she could be seen wiping away tears as spectators began to cheer her on. This outpouring of support seemed to ignite her spirit, as she quickly shifted gears, winning six out of the next seven games and taking the second set 6-4, showcasing her resilience.
Match Outcome and Reflection
Despite this surge in performance, it was not enough to secure victory. Osorio maintained her composure and ultimately took the match with a final score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. With this win, she advanced to face the top-seeded Iga Swiatek in the next round.
Broader Context of Emotional Displays
Kalinskaya’s emotional display on the court reflects a trend this season where several players have found themselves in vulnerable positions during matches. For instance, Emma Raducanu became emotional during the 2025 Dubai Championships after encountering a stalker. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff shed tears during her second-round match at the US Open amid personal and competitive stresses, though she ultimately progressed in the tournament. Gauff is also participating in the China Open this year as the defending champion.
Fans of Kalinskaya and other players are becoming increasingly aware of the pressures athletes face, both on and off the court, during high-stakes tournaments.
