Yulia Putintseva news: Kazakh reveals why she’s a ‘gangster on court’

Lucy Roberts
Victoria Azarenka in action in the opening round of the Qatar Open against Yulia Putintseva

Yulia Putintseva is flying in the Italian Open and is through to the round of 32 after defeating Kaja Juvan yesterday, and she has her aggressive on court personality to thank for this success.

However, the Kazakhstani player isn’t as intense off the court as she’s revealed that what she’s like when playing isn’t at all reflective of her character when the rackets are down.

The Internet world has pointed fun at her intense celebrations during a match, but for the three time Grand Slam quarter finalist she takes this in her stride and doesn’t let it affect her.

She told WTA Insider: “I knew since I was a kid, my father would tell me, ‘Yulia you’re temper on the court is too much sometimes.’ But his temper was too much sometimes too!”

“We were both hard characters when we used to work together, but outside it was a lot of love and chill time – we actually never fought outside the court, but all the time on the court.

“I’m like a gangster on court, but like an angel off court.”

Putintseva is a true believer in using the tools you have in order to succeed as that’s what got her to her current world No 40 ranking.

“Everything motivates me, I want to show everyone, in the beginning of my career, for sure in Russia it was pretty tough,” the 27-year-old added.

“They were saying I’m too short, too pushy, too this, too that – well look at me now. But I don’t think about them, I just feel sorry for the kids who are young and talented but short and they don’t have someone who believes in them.

“I think it’s important to realise it doesn’t matter if you’re short, tall, big, small, you can do good. You have to use your good sides and you can be really good.”

Putintseva starts her doubles campaign at the Italian Open later today when her and her partner Danielle Collins take on Karolina Pliskova and Jelena Ostapenko, while she plays her round of 32 singles match tomorrow against Spaniard Garbine Murguruza.