Both Anna Kalinskaya and the umpire were in agreement that a fan was ‘drunk’ during the star’s fourth-round match at the Cincinnati Open. The Russian caused an upset as she beat her compatriot and 12th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in three sets, battling back from a set down to make the quarter-finals.

However, the 26-year-old cut a frustrated figure during the contest. After losing the first set, she became exasperated with the noise from the crowd and approached the umpire to complain. She asked: “Something’s humiliating with the sounds again. Can you tell security?”

However, the official didn’t provide the answer she wanted, replying: “I’m keeping an eye on them. I don’t think they’re doing something wrong.”

After the 28th seed pointed out that people were making noises on crucial points, he pointed out: “Yeah, they stop. But they’re also cheering for both of you. They’re clapping. I don’t know what they’re doing.”

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At the end of her tether, Kalinskaya got to the point, ranting: “Yeah, but I think maybe they’re drunk or something.” The official then conceded: “They probably are.”

Despite clearly being unsettled, Kalinskaya regained her composure and produced an impressive comeback. She took a tense second set 7-6 (5), and then was rampant in the decider as she prevailed 6-1.

It wasn’t the first time Kalinskaya had been involved in an umpire dispute in America. In the 2024 US Open, she was wrongly denied a point against Beatriz Haddad Maia after her opponent was credited with reaching a ball that had bounced twice.

Organisers later admitted the wrong decision was made. She’ll now be hoping just to let her tennis do the talking when she plays third seed Iga Swiatek in the last-eight on Friday.