Tennis is hotter than ever—sure, Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers might have something to do with it, but it’s not like it wasn’t already a sexy sport. (I mean, what other athletic endeavor besides cheerleading requires a cute little skirt?) Last May, Italian player Jannik Sinner—who is currently ranked number one in the world and clinched his second successive Australian Open—went public with his romance with Russian player Anna Kalinskaya.
Below, a quick rundown on Kalinskaya, Sinner’s remarks about their relationship, and everything else you need to know.
Photo: Getty Images
Who is Anna Kalinskaya?
Kalinskaya, who was born in Moscow, is perhaps best known for her first-round upset over Sloane Stephens at the US Open in 2019, two years after Stephens had won that tournament. (The match marked Kalinskaya’s first appearance at a major.) These days, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranks Kalinskaya at number 16 in singles (but has reached as high as 11) and 96 in doubles.
The now 26-year-old player also enjoyed a successful junior career, with her highest combined ranking placing her at number three in the world. Kalinskaya represented her native country at the 2020 Billie Jean King Cup, winning the doubles rubber with her partner Anna Blinkova and thus helping Russia make it into the finals. Kalinskaya won her first match at the 2024 French Open against Clara Burel of France and was seen cheering Sinner on at his match against Christopher Eubanks at the same competition.
She withdrew from the 2025 Australian Open due to health issues. “Very sad and frustrating today to pull out from the Australian Open. I was really looking forward to it but got some virus. Health comes first,” she wrote on Instagram. It’s expected to impact her ranking.
Source link
