Anna Kalinskaya Withdraws from WTA Singapore Open Due to Injury, Sparking Speculation About Relationship with Jannik Sinner
Russian tennis star Anna Kalinskaya suffered a heartbreaking setback on Saturday, February 1, 2025, withdrawing from the WTA Singapore Tennis Open semifinal due to injury. Her exit not only dashed her hopes of securing a title but also fueled speculation about the emotional toll this setback may have on her relationship with Jannik Sinner.
The 26-year-old was locked in a competitive battle against American Ann Li when she began experiencing significant physical distress. After losing a tight first set 7-6 (2) in a tiebreak, Kalinskaya sought medical assistance multiple times, particularly for pain in her right thigh. Trainers applied bandages, but as the match progressed, it became evident that she was struggling to continue. Following the opening points of the second set, she made the difficult decision to retire from the match, visibly emotional as she left the court.
Currently ranked 18th in the WTA standings, Kalinskaya’s withdrawal marks yet another challenging chapter in her career, raising concerns over her physical resilience and emotional well-being.
Relationship Speculation Intensifies
Adding to the intrigue, Kalinskaya’s injury comes amid growing speculation about her relationship with Jannik Sinner. Reports have suggested that she has been dealing with personal turmoil, which some believe has impacted her recent performances.
However, her brother, Nikolay Kalinsky, dismissed the rumors while speaking to Russian media outlet Izvestija. Defending both his sister and Sinner, he stated:
“Do I approve of my sister’s choice? Absolutely, yes.”
He further described Sinner as “a normal person without star-like attitudes”, emphasizing that their relationship is on solid ground. Nikolay also clarified why Kalinskaya and Sinner had not been seen together during the tournament, explaining:
“Anna wasn’t there because she had already done her preparation in Miami.”
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
Despite this latest setback, Kalinskaya has a track record of bouncing back from adversity. However, frequent injuries and mounting external pressures raise concerns about her mental and physical durability moving forward.
Meanwhile, Ann Li advanced to the final following Kalinskaya’s retirement, setting up a clash with Elise Mertens, who secured her place with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Wang Xinyu.
For now, Kalinskaya’s focus must shift toward recovery—both physically and emotionally—as she navigates increasing scrutiny over both her career and personal life. Tennis fans will be eagerly awaiting her return, hopeful that she can put these challenges behind her and reestablish herself on the WTA Tour.