The tennis world is abuzz with a stunning revelation from Anna Kalinskaya, the ex-girlfriend of world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who disclosed that she was persistently courted by a top-20 tennis player. Speaking on the First&Red podcast with former player Anna Chakvetadze, the 26-year-old Russian, currently ranked No. 32 in the WTA, named Holger Rune, the world No. 11 from Denmark, as the player who sent her “ten messages” in a failed attempt to spark a romance. Kalinskaya’s candid comments, delivered with a mix of amusement and disdain, have ignited a firestorm of reactions, shedding light on the off-court dynamics of the professional tennis circuit.
Kalinskaya, who dated Sinner until their split in late 2024, revealed that several ATP players have slid into her direct messages over the years, but Rune’s persistence stood out. “He writes to everyone. He thinks too much of himself,” she said, laughing, while suggesting Rune’s approaches were not unique. The Dane quickly responded on X, claiming cultural differences led to a misunderstanding, insisting his messages were not romantic overtures. “If I want to go on a date, I ask for a date,” Rune wrote, attempting to defuse the situation. However, Kalinskaya’s remarks have kept the story alive, with fans and media dissecting the exchange.
The revelation has added a layer of intrigue to Kalinskaya’s high-profile personal life. Previously linked to Nick Kyrgios in 2021, she confirmed on the podcast that she is now back with her ex-boyfriend, Tomas Ferrari, a non-athlete working in finance. Ferrari has been spotted at her matches, including the Madrid Open and Indian Wells, and shares ownership of her dog, Bella, who joined her on court after her DC Open win. Kalinskaya emphasized the challenges of dating another high-profile player, noting the difficulty of maintaining privacy: “It’s impossible to just go out for dinner calmly.”
Sinner, meanwhile, has moved on, with reports linking him to Danish model Laila Hasanovic, spotted in his player box at Wimbledon and Roland Garros in 2025. His focus remains on his career, having won four Grand Slams, including the 2024 US Open, where he and Kalinskaya shared a public kiss before their breakup. Sinner’s reluctance to discuss his private life contrasts with Kalinskaya’s openness, which has fueled speculation about the tennis tour’s romantic undercurrents.
Social media is alight with reactions, one X post joking, “Rune shooting his shot 10 times and still missing is peak tennis drama.” Critics argue Kalinskaya’s decision to name Rune publicly was unnecessary, while supporters praise her for calling out what she saw as overconfidence. The incident underscores the intense scrutiny players face off the court, where personal interactions can become as headline-grabbing as their on-court performances. As the tennis season progresses, all eyes will be on Kalinskaya and Rune, both in competition and in navigating the fallout of this unexpected bombshell.
