Russian tennis star Anna Kalinskaya sports powerful “No War” sign on trainers at Indian Wells

Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya was spotted wearing trainers with the words “No War” written on them, during her first-round match at this year’s BNP Paribas Open. 

Kalinskaya, who is ranked 86th in the world, progressed to the second round in California after her opponent, Harmony Tan, was forced to retire early in the second set. 

The Russian had been a set up at the time and will now face France’s Alize Cornet in her next match. 

Kalinskaya is still searching for her first WTA title and has never reached beyond the second round of a Grand Slam. She has, however, won seven titles on the ITF circuit. 

It was not Kalinskaya’s performance which got tennis fans talking. Instead, it was her choice of attire, most notably her shoes, which had the words “No War” written on them. 

The message is in reference to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Kalinskaya is one of many athletes to be vocal in their condemnation of what’s happening in Eastern Europe right now.

A week ago, the 23-year-old took to Instagram and called for peace, while posting an image of a shattered heart–shaped cloud in the sky.

Russian athletes are no longer able to compete under their country’s flag, after the WTA introduced new measures in light of current events. 

Anna Kalinskaya of Russia advanced to the second round of Indian Wells with a message. pic.twitter.com/Hjomjixuae

The decision came after Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina refused to play Russia’s Anastasia Potapova unless action was taken. 

Svitolina and Kalinskaya are just some of the many tennis stars to have voiced their disapproval for the ongoing war. 

Men’s world number one Daniil Medvedev spoke to the press ahead of Indian Wells and said: “My message is always the same