Anna Kalinskaya isn’t someone to follow the script! The World No. 18 decided to embrace camaraderie over courtship this Valentine’s Day. While her followers expected her to join her beau Jannik Sinner, who withdrew from the 2025 Rotterdam Open, Kalinskaya caught everyone off-guard. Fresh off a Qatar Open heartbreak, the 26-year-old spent the day of love with her friends in Dubai, leaving a great message: not all love stories need a man.

Kalinskaya lost to Cristina Bucsa in the opening round of Qatar, despite offering a tough fight for 2 hours and 47 minutes. However, she seems to have moved on from the loss already. The Russian spent quality time on Valentine’s Day with her WTA colleagues at Jumeirah Creekside.

Kalinskaya shared the Aussie pro Arina Rodionova’s Instagram story that featured her alongside fellow Russian player Daria Kasatkina, both showing the victory sign. “Celebrating Vday with these guys and (as per usual) stolen flowers,” Rodionova wrote in her caption, as she showed off a bouquet in her hand, adding the fun element that summed up their friendship.

Kalinskaya’s bond with Kasatkina previously stole the limelight when the latter asked her about life and pulled her leg by bringing up Jannik Sinner’s reference. In the May episode of Kasatkina’s famous YouTube blog What the Vlog last year, she asked her Russian friend, “Wait, carrot cake, yes/no?” Kasatkina was referring to Sinner, who earned his nickname Carrot after munching on the vegetable during his changeover at the 2019 Erste Bank Open.

While Kasatkina’s question aimed to highlight Kalinskaya’s feelings for the ATP No. 1, Kalinskaya shut her friend by saying, “F–k off.”

Kalinskaya and Kasatkina might be the closest of friends otherwise but on the court, they are fierce rivals. They have played five times against each other with Kasatkina leading their head-to-head by 4-1. Despite rivalry, their friendship remains a testament to the bond created through shared passion.

Kalinskaya, who often features in her friend’s famous blog, has a fun equation with Kasatkina. She previously hilariously referred to her loss against Kasatkina in the 2024 Adelaide Open, saying, “I’m ready for holidays. I was ready for holidays already when you beat me in January. Autumn Blues. I’m not in a romantic mood.” Her words echoed the essence of her friendship with Kasatkina, which involves love, admiration, and a bit of mischief towards each other.

These two promising Russian stars have been bonding since their childhood. “We have known each other since we were 10,” Kalinskaya revealed, highlighting the support she has received from her countrywoman over the years.

Anna Kalinskaya revealed how Daria Kasatkina motivated her

In an interview with the Second Serve, Kalinskaya disclosed how Kasatkina remained her support system throughout her career. Talking about her friend’s down-to-earth attitude despite her rise in rankings, the Russian said, “For me, she is the same girl, which is amazing, and it’s so good to see her doing well now. There are many snakes on the tour, let’s be honest.”

On the flip side, Kasatkina also showed her admiration for her friend’s humor, saying: “Anna is so funny and has a quick mind. She is good fun to be around and is a great person.” She also complimented Kalinskaya’s humor as “Dark, mischievous, and on point!”

“Anna has always had so much potential and she has so many weapons on the court, it was just a case of her bringing it all together. She showed glimpses at times in big matches like against [former US Open champion] Sloane Stephens in New York [in 2019], where her big personality can shine,” Kasatkina further added.

Anna Kalinskaya’s Valentine’s Day celebration showcased her love for her friends. As Kasatkina mentioned, “Anna knows how to have a party correctly,” Kalinskaya surely made her friend’s day worthwhile with her witty personality.