On April 14, 2025, Anna Kalinskaya, the Russian tennis player and former girlfriend of world number one Jannik Sinner, made headlines when she opened up about her breakup with Sinner in an exclusive interview with Vogue Russia magazine . The 26-year-old, who has a successful tennis career of her own and reached the top 20 of the WTA rankings that year, admitted that her decision to end her relationship with Sinner was the best she ever made. Her reasons for this decision and the subsequent revelations shocked the tennis community and fans, who had previously considered the couple to be among the most promising in the sport.

Kalinskaya and Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian superstar, had been a couple since 2023 and were considered tennis’s dream couple. They were often seen together at tournaments, supported each other, and seemed to have found a perfect balance between love and career. But in February 2025, shortly after Sinner’s triumph at the Australian Open, rumors of a breakup began circulating. Kalinskaya has now officially confirmed these rumors and revealed why she split from Sinner. “It was the best decision of my life because I can finally breathe again,” she said in the interview. “I lost myself in the relationship, and it destroyed me as a person and as a player.”

The tennis player explained that her relationship with Sinner, although initially beautiful, became strained over time. “Jannik is an incredible person and a great player, but his success overshadowed our relationship,” she said. “I was always ‘Sinner’s girlfriend,’ not Anna, the tennis player. I lost my own identity, and that made me feel invisible.” Kalinskaya admitted that she often felt pressured to support Sinner’s career, while her own ambitions took a back seat. “I neglected my own dreams to be there for him, but at some point I realized that I was sacrificing myself,” she said, tears in her eyes.

Another reason for the breakup was the immense pressure that came with Sinner’s fame. As the world number one, Sinner was constantly followed by media and fans, and Kalinskaya found it difficult to cope with the spotlight. “I’m a private person, but in his world, there’s no privacy,” she explained. “Every step we took was analyzed, and I felt like I couldn’t be myself.” She also recounted moments when she felt lonely despite being with Sinner. “He was so focused on tennis that sometimes I felt like I was living with a ghost. I needed someone who was really there, not just physically but emotionally as well.”

After the breakup, Kalinskaya focused on her career and mental health, and the results speak for themselves. Since February 2025, she has won three titles, including a prestigious WTA 1000 title in Dubai, and has climbed into the top 20 of the world rankings. “I’ve never felt so strong and free,” she said. “The breakup allowed me to focus on myself, and I finally feel like I’m in control of my life.” She emphasized that she doesn’t blame Sinner and continues to wish him well, but she knew she had to save herself.

Fan reactions were mixed. On social media platforms like X, many supported Kalinskaya’s decision and praised her honesty. One fan wrote, “Anna is right to put herself first. She is an inspiration to us all.” Another fan commented, “It’s sad they broke up, but I’m so proud of Anna for finding her voice.” However, some Sinner fans were disappointed, saying Kalinskaya shouldn’t have made the relationship public. One user wrote, “She should have kept this private. Jannik deserves respect.”

Tennis experts see Kalinskaya’s post-split rise as a testament to her mental strength. Former player Martina Navratilova said in an interview: “Anna has proven that she is a fighter, not only on the court, but also in life. Her honesty is admirable.” Other experts, such as commentator Patrick Mouratoglou, pointed out that the split from Sinner allowed Kalinskaya to focus on her own career, which took her game to a new level.

For Kalinskaya, this time marks a new beginning. She plans to continue training hard in the coming months and hopes to one day win her first Grand Slam title. “I have my own story to write now,” she concluded the interview. Her words and her journey after the breakup have not only inspired her fans but also reminded the tennis world that true strength lies in staying true to yourself, even when that means making difficult decisions. While Sinner continues to lead the world rankings, Kalinskaya has found her own path—a path that will lead her to new greatness.