Anna Kalinskaya’s Dog Bella Steals Show at Citi D.C. Open Victory

In a heartwarming twist to competitive tennis, Russian star Anna Kalinskaya clinched a victory at the Citi D.C. Open on Saturday, only to be upstaged by her biggest fan—her dachshund, Bella. After defeating Emma Raducanu with a solid 6-4, 6-3 scoreline, Kalinskaya was rushed by Bella on the court, marking the second time the adorable pup has celebrated with her owner. Just the night before, Bella had joined in the revelry after Kalinskaya's win over Clara Tauson, 6-3, 7-5.

The crowd roared with applause as Kalinskaya lifted Bella high, the little dachshund clearly stealing the show with her boundless energy. It’s moments like these that remind us why sports are more than just a game—they’re about connection, even with our four-legged friends.

Now, Kalinskaya, ranked 48th in the Women’s Tennis Association standings with a career-high of 11th, is gearing up for the final against Leylah Fernandez on Sunday. Fernandez earned her spot after taking down Elena Rybakina in the semifinals. With a career record of 307-189 and one singles title, Kalinskaya is no stranger to pressure, but it’s clear she’s got the best cheerleader in Bella by her side.

While Kalinskaya has faced setbacks this year, including a loss to Tauson at Wimbledon and an early exit at the French Open, her performance in D.C. shows she’s ready to reclaim her stride. Here’s hoping Bella’s on-court antics bring her that extra bit of luck in the final!