"It doesn't change anything": Anna Kalinskaya says relationship with Jannik Sinner doesn't add pressure

Anna Kalinskaya got back to winning ways on Monday at the Singapore Tennis Open with the 26-year-old Russian withdrawing at the 11th hour against Kimberly Birrell at the Australian Open. But amid her boyfriend Jannik Sinner winning the Australian Open, she discussed the pressure or lack there of it brings.

Sinner and Kalinskaya have been the subject of much column inches in the past 12 months since they got together. Their relationship has changed over time from being quite private to sharing a kiss at the US Open to being private again seemingly as the press attention got a bit too heightened.

This in turn led to breakup rumours but for Kalinskaya it does not bring pressure. She said during the buildup to the Singapore Tennis Open where she widely praised the tournament that it doesn't change anything.

Read also

The battle of the tennis power couple at AO2025: Which household reigns supreme in earnings?

“I’m very excited and very impressed at how good the organisation is, and how good the facility is. There are not many tournaments indoors, but this seems (like a) very, very good start and I’m looking forward to it.”

When asked about Sinner, her answer was simple. "Not at all. I don’t think there’s pressure, it doesn’t change anything."

This also chimed in with Sinner's comments in November which in themselves started rumours that they were breaking up.

"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, which comes into my life normally," the top-ranked ATP player said in November.

"I can't afford to change as a player or as a person. That hasn't happened, that's why it works."

Before like at the US Open, Kalinskaya was a feature throughout his run in the box in between her games but she has cut a much more lower profile. Albeit this time she couldn't watch her boyfriend as she had to fly to Singapore. Having to defend ranking points from Dubai in a few weeks, it is pivotal for herself to be back on track.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe