US Open 2025: Doubles Fracas and Singles Showdown for Anna Kalinskaya

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2025 - In a dramatic night session at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Russian star Anna Kalinskaya found herself at the center of controversy before gearing up for a blockbuster singles encounter.

Anna Kalinskaya and partner Sorana Cîrstea blew a 5-1 lead in the first set of their women’s doubles match against Americans Peyton Stearns and McCartney Kessler, ultimately falling 7-5, 6-4. Frustrated by several close calls, Kalinskaya accosted the victors at the net, admonishing Stearns for failing to offer a simple apology when balls came uncomfortably close. “I expected a little respect. I didn’t see you saying ‘Sorry!’ one time,” Kalinskaya was overheard telling Stearns amid a charged Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

The tension, however, did not linger. After the match, Stearns approached Kalinskaya-who later explained the exchange was born of in-match heat-and the two exchanged a brief fist bump, signaling reconciliation and mutual respect.

Despite the doubles disappointment, Kalinskaya remains in singles action. She is set to face second seed Iga Swiatek tonight at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with play slated to begin at 11:10 p.m. UTC. The clash marks their second meeting this season and offers Kalinskaya a chance to avenge her earlier loss to the world No. 2.