In the lead-up to the prestigious Indian Wells tournament, British tennis star Katie Boulter engaged in a rigorous training session with fellow professional Anna Kalinskaya. This practice match is part of Boulter’s final preparations before the tournament commences tomorrow.
The collaboration between Boulter and Kalinskaya is not unprecedented. The duo previously partnered during the 2024 US Open women’s doubles event. Despite being their inaugural collaboration, they showcased remarkable synergy on the court. Their campaign began with a hard-fought victory over Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai, where they rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. Their journey concluded in the second round after a close match against the eighth-seeded pair of Demi Schuurs and Luisa Stefani, with both sets decided by tiebreakers. Reflecting on their partnership, Boulter commented on social media, “Never laughed so much in my life,” highlighting the camaraderie they shared during the tournament. citeturn0search1
Boulter’s 2024 season has been noteworthy. She clinched her first WTA 500 title at the San Diego Open, overcoming Marta Kostyuk in a thrilling final. This victory propelled her to a career-high ranking of World No. 27. Her resilience was evident throughout the tournament, especially in the final, where she served 13 double faults yet managed to secure the win. citeturn0search3
The training session with Kalinskaya is a strategic move for Boulter, allowing her to fine-tune her game against a familiar and formidable opponent. Kalinskaya, currently ranked World No. 14, has also enjoyed a successful 2024 season, reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open and finishing as a runner-up at the Dubai Tennis Championships. citeturn0search1
As Boulter prepares for Indian Wells, her focus remains on building upon her recent successes. In a recent interview, she emphasized her ambition to elevate her game further, stating, “I need to beat the best tennis players in the world, which are going to be top 10. I have to start aiming extremely high, if that’s what I want.” citeturn0search2
The upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for Boulter to test her skills against top-tier competition. Her recent performances have demonstrated her potential, and with the momentum from her recent title and rigorous training sessions, she aims to make a significant impact at Indian Wells.
For visuals from Boulter’s recent matches and training sessions, here are some images:
– Katie Boulter during her match at the San Diego Open.
– Boulter and Kalinskaya in action during the US Open doubles event.
– Boulter practicing ahead of the Indian Wells tournament.
– Kalinskaya during a training session earlier this season.
These images capture the intensity and dedication both players bring to the court as they prepare for one of the year’s most anticipated tournaments.