Jannik Sinner’s Ex-Girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya DROPS BOMBSHELL: Reveals Rival ATP Star “Slid Into Her DMs 10 Times” Before Giving Up

In tennis, the drama doesn’t always unfold on the court. Sometimes, it plays out in the digital shadows of Instagram, TikTok, and private messages that never stay private for long. This week, WTA star Anna Kalinskaya turned the tennis world upside down when she casually revealed that one of the sport’s rising ATP players, Holger Rune, persistently messaged her not once, not twice, but ten times—before finally giving up.

And in the most cutting line of all, she branded the 22-year-old Dane “hopeless.”

The revelation has sparked headlines across the globe, not just because of Rune’s persistence, but because of the tangled history behind the names involved. Kalinskaya, ranked No. 32 in the world, was previously in a high-profile relationship with Italian superstar and four-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner. The pair broke up earlier this year, leaving fans buzzing about Sinner’s love life and Kalinskaya’s next chapter. Now, this latest bombshell has thrown a fresh dose of intrigue onto an already combustible storyline.

The Interview That Started It All

Kalinskaya’s comments came during a candid interview with a Russian outlet, where she was asked about life off the court, including her interactions with fellow athletes. Without hesitation, she admitted that several players had reached out to her online—then dropped the detail that one was far more persistent than the rest.

“Let’s just say one player messaged me ten times,” she said with a smirk. “He tried, but it was hopeless.”

Pressed further, Kalinskaya confirmed it was Holger Rune, the fiery young Dane who has never been shy about making headlines, whether for his on-court tantrums, clashes with opponents, or blunt remarks in press conferences.

Rune, known for his intensity and bravado, is already one of the most polarizing figures in tennis. But now, his name is trending for reasons that have nothing to do with a racket in hand.

Fans React: “The Off-Court Drama is Juicier Than the Matches”

Within minutes of the interview hitting social media, the story caught fire. Screenshots of Kalinskaya’s quote spread across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit threads. Tennis fans couldn’t resist weighing in.

“Holger Rune getting rejected 10 times in the DMs is the most on-brand thing ever,” one fan joked.

Another wrote: “Forget Wimbledon. THIS is the tennis drama we came for.”

On Instagram, Kalinskaya’s followers flooded her comments with supportive emojis and playful jabs aimed at Rune. Some even tagged Rune directly, daring him to respond. As of now, the Dane has remained silent, though fans are watching his social media feeds like hawks.

Why This Story Matters: The Sinner Connection

Of course, what makes this revelation even more explosive is the Sinner connection. Kalinskaya’s breakup with Jannik Sinner earlier this year already had the tennis gossip mill buzzing. The two were seen together at multiple events throughout 2024, and though both initially kept the relationship low-profile, their chemistry was hard to ignore.

Sinner, now one of the biggest stars in men’s tennis, has rarely spoken about his private life. When news of their split broke, he kept his focus firmly on the court. Kalinskaya, however, has been more open, occasionally hinting at personal struggles and experiences through interviews and social media.

For fans, the idea that Rune—a rival of Sinner’s on the ATP Tour—was simultaneously trying to get Kalinskaya’s attention is simply too juicy to ignore. Rivalries in tennis are nothing new, but when personal lives intertwine with professional competition, the stakes feel higher, the drama sharper.

Rune’s Reputation: Passionate or Reckless?

Holger Rune has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most passionate—and polarizing—figures. At just 22, he already boasts multiple ATP titles and has been hailed as part of tennis’s next generation of stars. But he’s also been criticized for his temper, brashness, and occasional lack of maturity.

Fans remember his fiery exchange with Casper Ruud at the French Open, his emotional outbursts on court, and his clashes with coaches. Now, the Kalinskaya episode adds another layer to his “love him or hate him” persona.

Some see it as harmless persistence—just a young man shooting his shot. Others, though, see it as emblematic of the arrogance that has sometimes held Rune back.

“Sliding into the DMs 10 times and still getting nothing… that’s the definition of hopeless,” one fan quipped online, echoing Kalinskaya’s own choice of words.

Kalinskaya’s Rising Profile

While Rune absorbs the backlash, Kalinskaya’s profile is only growing. At 25, she’s established herself as a steady force on the WTA Tour. She’s also earned a loyal fan base for her candidness and willingness to share slices of her life, both professional and personal.

Her split with Sinner made her a household name beyond tennis diehards. Now, her Rune revelation has given her even more visibility, with mainstream outlets picking up the story. For Kalinskaya, the moment underscores her position not just as a competitor but as a personality in her own right.

The Bigger Picture: Tennis, Fame, and the Digital Age

This saga also highlights a new reality in professional sports: in the age of social media, the boundaries between on-court performance and off-court life are blurrier than ever. Athletes are celebrities, influencers, and entertainers, whether they want to be or not.

Fans aren’t just watching forehands and backhands. They’re following Instagram stories, TikToks, and podcast interviews. A single quote can generate more buzz than a five-set thriller at a Grand Slam.

For Rune, that reality may sting right now. For Kalinskaya, it’s a reminder of how much power athletes have in shaping the narrative.

What Happens Next?

The big question now: how will Rune respond?

Will he issue a lighthearted denial, laugh it off, and move on? Or will he let silence speak, allowing the story to fade?

For Sinner, the drama likely changes nothing. He has bigger goals in sight—namely adding more Grand Slam titles to his growing résumé. But for fans, the intertwining of these three names—Sinner, Rune, and Kalinskaya—adds a soap opera quality to a sport that’s already thriving on personalities as much as talent.

Final Word

Anna Kalinskaya didn’t just spill tea. She poured the entire pot, and in doing so, she reminded everyone that tennis is as much about the stories as it is about the scores.

Rune may bounce back on court. He may even use the episode as motivation. But for now, the scoreboard reads clear: Kalinskaya 1, Rune 0.

And in the grand theater of tennis, sometimes the most memorable battles are the ones fought far away from the baseline.