After months of speculation, Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya seem ready to step back into the spotlight. It’s been a few months since Sinner’s comments about his relationship where he said he “cannot afford to change,” following which the two reportedly unfollowed each other on IG, sparked rumors of a potential breakup. While the Italian has denied these rumors, the situation remained murky, especially since Kalinskaya has yet to follow him back on Instagram or even post about them. However, with the Australian Open just around the corner and both players present at the event, it’s only natural that they would cross paths.
The World No. 1 arrived in Melbourne a week early to acclimatize to the warm weather after a snowy holiday in Italy. He has been sharing updates on Instagram, practicing at the Arena with players like Alexei Popyrin and Jack Draper as he prepares to defend his title. Meanwhile, Kalinskaya competed in the Brisbane International. In the singles, she lost against Ashlyn Krueger in the R32 itself. Whereas she paired up with Priscilla Hon in the doubles, reaching the finals but losing to Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva in straight sets, 7-6(6), 7-5. Despite the disappointment, she looks forward to the first major title of the year.
Earlier this year, Kalinskaya expressed her desire to clinch a Grand Slam title, while Sinner aims to defend his crown after winning against Daniil Medvedev last year. Just days before the tournament begins on Sunday, they were spotted going in for an embrace at the Arena, as noted by Carlo Galati, a Ubitennis author, “The embrace between Jannik #Sinner and Anna #Kalinskaya on the courts of Melbourne Park.#AO2025 #tennis🎾”(translated from Italian). This news comes amid online debates about their relationship status.
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L’abbraccio tra Jannik #Sinner e Anna #Kalinskaya tra i campi di Melbourne Park.#AO2025 #tennis🎾 pic.twitter.com/R4vIvRJsIQ
— Carlo Galati (@CarloGalati) January 9, 2025
The speculation began with Sinner’s comments during his ATP Finals run in Turin. When asked about Kalinskaya’s impact on his season, 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… I can’t afford to change as a player or as a person. That hasn’t happened, that’s why it works.” After these remarks, it seemed like Kalinskaya did not congratulate him on his Turin victory and instead enjoyed a holiday in Miami without mentioning him.
Adding to the drama, Sinner has faced criticism from Australian player Nick Kyrgios following his positive test for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. The Aussie has been vocal on social media about Sinner’s case, intensifying scrutiny around the Italian star. Recent speculation suggests that Kyrgios’s animosity towards the World No. 1 may be linked to his past relationship with Kalinskaya.
Nick Krygios “couldn’t care less” about Sinner’s relationship with Kalinskaya
As per the People, Anna Kalinskaya has previously been in a relationship with Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios. They got together in 2020 before announcing a split after some months.
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During a recent episode of Andy Roddick’s podcast, Wertheim and Roddick criticized Kyrgios for his ongoing digs at Sinner, suggesting they stem from Kyrgios’s past relationship with Kalinskaya. Wertheim described Kyrgios’s comments as “a personal vendetta,” questioning the sincerity behind his criticisms.
He added, “I mean he just didn’t even seem to understand the doping protocols and in the context here to begin with which kind of leads me to conclude this is all just a bad faith vendetta against a player who’s out dating a former girlfriend and nothing more.” The Aussie didn’t hold back in response to the podcast discussion.
He took to social media, saying, “Hahaha of course – sweep sweep sweep, how is this now my fault? I couldn’t care less where Sinner lays his wood 😭😂 I’m in a happy relationship 🙏🏽.” He clarified that his disdain for Sinner is rooted in a strong opposition to cheating in sports rather than personal grievances. Kyrgios, who has been dating influencer Costeen Hatzi since 2021, emphasized his commitment to integrity in tennis.
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The feud dates back to when Sinner tested positive for clostebol during the Indian Wells tournament but avoided a ban after an investigation ruled he bore no significant fault. Kyrgios has been vocal about his belief that the World No. 1 should face consequences, labeling the situation “disgusting” for tennis.
Now as the 2025 Australian Open approaches, all eyes are on whether Kyrgios and Sinner will meet on the court. With tensions running high and this new feud unfolding, fans are left wondering if we can expect more drama when they finally clash. What are your thoughts on this ongoing saga? Share them in the comments below!
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Is Kyrgios's criticism of Sinner genuine, or just a personal vendetta over Kalinskaya?
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Is Kyrgios's criticism of Sinner genuine, or just a personal vendetta over Kalinskaya?
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