Tennis courts aren’t just about fierce rallies and nail-biting matches—they’re also where some of the sport’s most intriguing romances unfold. Among those love stories is the high-profile relationship between Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya, a true power couple on the tour. But lately, things seem to be heating up off the court for these two. Sinner’s recent comments about how his relationship might be affecting his game have left fans buzzing and drawing a lot of flak for the player. 

The Italian tennis sensation engaged in an interview with Esquire and deliberated upon several facts related to his personal and professional life. When asked about Kalinskaya’s impact on his life, he made an honest admission and highlighted that he wanted their relationship to fit seamlessly into his life without making much change and it has turned out exactly that way. 

Speaking in the interview, he said, “I don’t think anything has changed. Having a girlfriend is something that either makes you feel good or makes you feel bad. I want it to be something that feels very natural, which comes into my life normally. I can’t afford to change as a player or as a person. That hasn’t happened, that’s why it works.” This statement was deemed not so politically correct by many in the tennis community, although the underlying emotion could have been different. And now, Sinner is facing the heat of the fans. 

Several users took to their X accounts to take a dig at Jannik Sinner for his remarks. They also highlighted the unromantic side of the Italian player, advising Kalinskaya to end ties with him.

Jannik Sinner in hot waters over his remark on Anna Kalinskaya

Taking to X, one user wrote, “you swan he frog, run away girl.” Jannik Sinner has often preferred to maintain confidentiality when it comes to his relationship with Kalinskaya. Even while confirming his relationship with the Russian beauty, Sinner did not give much detail, saying, “As you know, I don’t like to talk about my private life. I’m with Anna yes. But we keep everything very private. You know me: I won’t talk more than that.” More such reactions continued.

Responding to Sinner’s statement, another fan wrote, “Reminds me of Raducanu talking about Murray’s retirement.” Remember, ahead of her first match the US Open, Raducanu was quizzed if she was impacted by Murray’s retirement. However, she surprised the tennis community and said that her compatriot’s retirement made no difference to her. “It doesn’t feel different at all. I think tennis is unforgiving in that sense no matter who you are. It just moves on. There’s always another match; there’s always another tournament,” she said. Now, fans are drawing a comparison between Sinner’s latest remark to Raducanu’s statement highlighting that he has kept emotions on a backseat. Similarly, more people joined the fray to take a dig at the player. 

“He’s as soulless as his robotic tennis,” wrote another user. Sinner has often been called a robotic player with many claiming that his gameplay lacks variations. The star player himself opened up about this and said, “I have been called a robot, a machie (but) I’m the type of player who loves this sport.” Now, fans believe that his love story lacks variations too, and that his immense focus on the sport is impacting his relationship with the Russian star. 

One more user took a jibe at Sinner and wrote, “That was his chance to shower her in compliments/appreciation and he wasted it. Some men are so clueless for these things.”

Interestingly, Sinner has showered praises too for Kalinskaya. The duo often exchange romantic moments on courts and can be seen kissing each other. One such incident was also witnessed after Sinner clinched the US Open title. When quizzed about the same during an interview with CCTV5, Sinner expressed high regard for his belle. “As tennis players we are, you know, different. I am different also to other tennis players. But for sure I always try to support her because she also tries to support me, giving some positive energy,” he highlighted. But these remarks seem to be overshadowed by his latest admission. 

Yet another user simply issued advice to Anna Kalinskaya and said, “Kalinskaya deserves better☠️.” For now, it would be interesting to see if Jannik Sinner would come out and issue a clarification over his latest comments. What do you think?