Jannik Sinner is on cloud nine after a brilliant victory over Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals of the US Open! Is 2024 the year when the Italian player wins his first two Grand Slams in one fell swoop? Well, only time will tell, but with the exception of some unsavory hiccups, so far it’s been a good year overall. One of the biggest pieces of news to grab headlines has been Sinner’s relationship with fellow WTA player Anna Kalinskaya.

The World No. 15 has also had a rollercoaster year, with a heartbreaking exit from the US Open in the third round. It was a game marred by controversy as an umpire call turned Kalinskaya’s game against Beatriz Haddad Maia. But the Russian player has not flown home yet, and has instead opted to stay, watching her boyfriend take Flushing by storm. The couple’s latest moment came in the locker room!

After Sinner beat Medvedev 6-2 1-6 6-1 6-4 to reach his first US Open semifinals(and third Grand Slam SFs), he retired to the locker room to gather his things. There was Sinner’s team, of course, but Kalinskaya could also be seen in a video shared by a fan page. As the video begins, a woman looking suspiciously like the Russian player is seen standing by the Italian’s side. Then she exits to the side to check something, but comes back into the view of the camera as Sinner gives her a light clap on the back with a soft touch.

The couple have been making headlines since just before the French Open, where the World No. 1 finally confirmed things. “You know, I don’t like to talk much about my private life,” he told the media at a press conference. “Yes, I’m with Anna, but we keep everything very confidential. I won’t say more.” Indeed, neither of the pair has said much about the relationship, preferring to keep things quiet.

In a strange twist, there were rumors of the couple breaking up a few days ago. They had reportedly stopped following each other on social media and had not been sighted together too often. While it might be the MO of some tennis couples, Sinner and Kalinskaya do it differently. In fact, the Russian WTA player has been sighted in her boyfriend’s box this US Open even after her defeat, debunking any rumors of a split.

Curiously, while Kalinskaya is now following her boyfriend on Instagram, Jannik Sinner has not reciprocated the action. To some, it’s the equivalent of only one half of the couple changing their status to ‘In a relationship’ on Facebook. No wonder speculations arose!

But since Roland Garros, each has been spotted in the other’s box, watching them play at numerous tournaments. Now as Jannik Sinner gets ready for Jack Draper looking for his first US Open trophy, will Kalinskaya be cheering him on at Arthur Ashe Stadium? The World No. 1, in any case, is ready.

“It’s going to be very interesting”: Jannik Sinner on US Open SF

It had been a tough entry into the American major following his doping scandal. But Jannik Sinner persevered despite the backlash, not letting anything affect his on court performance. Now, he’s the first man born since 1990 to have reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams.

While his next opponent has been on a meteoric rise of his own, it will be a rather huge upset if Jack Draper somehow actually manages to defeat Jannik Sinner. “I’m lucky that I played already with these kind of feelings, but let’s see,” the Italian said, per the NY Post. “You know, it’s going to be very interesting to see. I’m happy to be in this position trying to play some great tennis.”

Whoever wins this SF will face the winner of Taylor Fritz vs Frances Tiafoe. While the American men will be looking to finally win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick last did it in 2003, Jannik Sinner will be on a mission of his own. Or, conversely, so will Draper!