**Jannik Sinner Clarifies Relationship Status After Russian Model Photos**
Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1 tennis star, addressed swirling rumors about his personal life on May 5, 2025, ahead of his return at the Italian Open following a three-month doping ban. Italian magazine *Chi* had published photos of Sinner with 31-year-old Russian model Lara Leito in Monte Carlo, where he was training, sparking speculation of a new romance after his split from fellow tennis pro Anna Kalinskaya in November 2024. The images, showing Leito embracing Sinner and reportedly kissing him after a practice session, fueled breakup rumors with Kalinskaya, which were later confirmed.[](https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/other-sport/tennis/jannik-sinner-girlfriend-anna-kalinskaya-31612688)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-14680143/Jannik-Sinner-denies-relationship-Adrien-Brody.html)
In a pre-tournament press conference in Rome, Sinner firmly denied being in a relationship with Leito, stating, “I was very surprised to see some pictures, which are nothing serious. I’m not in a relationship, so for whoever is asking, it’s all good,” as quoted by Sportskeeda and Yahoo Sports. He emphasized his focus on tennis, aiming to quash off-court distractions as he prepared to face Mariano Navone. The clarification followed intense media attention, with outlets like *Wales Online* and *The Mirror US* noting Leito’s past relationships with actor Adrien Brody and Olivier Martinez.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/jannik-sinner-clarifies-relationship-status-184541298.html)[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-jannik-sinner-clears-air-dating-rumors-31-year-old-russian-model-first-press-conference-doping-ban)
Fans on X had mixed reactions: @Olly_Tennis_ initially hyped the Leito rumors, while @barstoolsports exaggeratedly claimed Sinner “started dating a supermodel” during his ban. Sinner’s statement, however, redirected attention to his game, with @TennisConnected praising his “laser focus.” His split with Kalinskaya, confirmed after they unfollowed each other on social media, was public knowledge since his May 2024 French Open announcement of their relationship, per @TheTennisLetter.
Sinner’s return, marked by a hero’s welcome in Rome and a 6-0, 6-1 win over Casper Ruud, per Tennis365.com, showed his intent to let his racquet do the talking. By dismissing the Leito rumors, Sinner aimed to keep the spotlight on his pursuit of a fourth Grand Slam, not his personal life.[]
