Tennis is hotter than ever. Sure, Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers may have had something to do with that, 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, with three major titles under his belt—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.
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 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 14 in singles and 97 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.
More recently, she was forced to withdraw from the 2024 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.
What has Sinner said about their relationship?
“You know, I don’t like to talk much about my private life,” Sinner said in Italian (his native language) during a post-match press conference on Monday. “Yes, I’m with Anna, but we keep everything very confidential. I won’t say more.” An elegant man, to be sure!
When have they been spotted together?
Last year, Kalinskaya could be seen cheering Sinner on at the French Open in May; at Wimbledon in July; as well during his men’s singles final against Taylor Fritz at the US Open in September. The pair were later photographed sharing a celebratory kiss.
Who have Sinner and Kalinskaya dated in the past?
Sinner was previously romantically linked to 23-year-old model Maria Braccini, who, like Sinner, hails from Italy. They were together from 2020 until recently, but not much is known about their relationship, given Sinner’s emphasis on privacy. Kalinskaya, for her part, dated fellow tennis player Nick Kyrgios from 2019 to 2020.
Has Kalinskaya said anything publicly about her relationship with Sinner?
Not yet, but perhaps she just wants to focus on tennis and not the identity of her boyfriend. (Valid!)
