Kalinskaya Expresses Disrespect Towards Adidas: They Took My Tickets for Zheng Qinwen’s Match but Refused to Renew My Contract

Recently, Russian tennis player Kalinskaya revealed details about the breakdown of her partnership with sports brand Adidas on a show: she admitted that an incident involving ticket requests during the 2024 Australian Open made her completely lose respect for the German brand, ultimately leading her to leave on grounds of principle.

It is reported that although Kalinskaya initially had no valid contract with Adidas, she continued to wear their gear out of personal preference and habit. However, this situation changed during the 2024 Australian Open.

At that time, Kalinskaya reached the Grand Slam quarterfinals for the first time in her career. On the eve of her key match against China’s top player Zheng Qinwen, an Adidas official contacted her to request tickets for the match’s VIP box.

“I thought this meant they were preparing to offer me a new contract,” Kalinskaya recalled on Elena Vesnina’s tennis podcast. “But after the Australian Open, when I was told they hadn’t given me a new deal, I said, ‘Well, what can I do? I don’t want to wear Adidas anymore.’”

What truly upset the Russian player was not just the failure to renew the contract, but the stark contrast in the brand’s attitude. “It’s a matter of principle,” Kalinskaya emphasized, “especially since that person wanted to come to my box during my quarterfinal match — before that, they didn’t care how I was playing at all. Afterward, they never contacted me or said anything once the match was over. I was really disappointed in the company.”

This incident marked the end of their relationship. After the Australian Open, Kalinskaya was seen wearing Alo yoga apparel. She explained that her choice of Alo also came from a genuine experience. While in Dubai, she planned to buy gear from an Alo store, and coincidentally, a friend of her coach who owns Alo arranged for ten staff members to serve her exclusively, showcasing all products and letting her try them freely. This feeling of being valued sharply contrasted with Adidas’s indifference.

This brief transition quickly led to a new chapter. At the 2024 China Open in September, Kalinskaya debuted in Nike apparel, officially announcing her joining the brand that also sponsors her boyfriend, tennis rising star Sinner. Her purple outfit and Nike Vapor Pro 2 shoes symbolized a new commercial partnership milestone in her career.

Kalinskaya’s experience has sparked widespread discussion both inside and outside the tennis community. Sports marketing experts point out that this is a typical case of a sponsor being absent when needed most.

An anonymous sports agent commented in an interview: “At a crucial breakthrough moment in an athlete’s career, the presence and attitude of the brand are vital. It’s not only a time to evaluate the player but also a golden opportunity to show support and deepen emotional bonds. The Adidas official requesting tickets in the box sent the wrong message, and the silence afterward was fatal. It makes the athlete feel like a tool rather than a partner.”

Media commentators believe this incident reflects how top athletes increasingly value alignment in values and feeling respected over just endorsement fees when choosing sponsors. Kalinskaya’s ‘principle issue’ was essentially a stand against the brand’s opportunistic behavior.

On social media platforms domestically and internationally, comments overwhelmingly support Kalinskaya’s decision.

One fan sharply remarked: “So Adidas wanted free VIP tickets to watch a match of a player they could have sponsored? This move is baffling.”

Another user wrote: “Love Kalinskaya’s toughness! Athletes aren’t just mannequins for clothes; they deserve respect. To make the Grand Slam quarterfinals and still get no contract but instead be asked for tickets is insulting. Nike hit the jackpot.”

Some fans joked: “Thanks to Adidas’s refusal to sign her, we now see such a stylish Kalinskaya. Her Nike outfit at the China Open was stunning!” Others praised Alo’s PR approach: “In contrast, Alo’s owner personally appeared and cleared the store for her, boosting goodwill immensely. Although they couldn’t keep her in the end, this move won many fans.”

Now, wearing Nike gear, Kalinskaya continues to compete on the court. This partnership ended over a ticket may become a notable footnote in sports business history about ‘respect,’ reminding major brands that communication with athletes sometimes carries more warmth and importance than contract figures.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)