Remember when Chris Evert faced backlash for supposedly bringing up Emma Raducanu’s dating life at Wimbledon, particularly her rumored connection with Carlos Alcaraz? Evert had dismissed those claims with two words: “oh please.” Even so, it’s not the first time tennis commentary has been accused of crossing the line. At the French Open earlier this year, fans had blasted “comical” and “insufferable” booth conversations while matches were still unfolding. But once again, the commentary booth managed to veer sharply off-court, stirring up a familiar storm. This time related to Jannik Sinner, and it was so bizarre that even Serena Williams‘ former coach was left speechless.
Anna Kalinskaya’s recent performances in Cincinnati have had nothing to do with her personal life, but the commentary somehow made it about it. Kalinskaya and Jannik Sinner had revealed their relationship in May 2024, appearing together at tournaments such as Wimbledon and the US Open. A year later, in May 2025, Sinner announced they had split. Recently, the Italian has been seen on court with Emma Navarro ahead of their upcoming mixed doubles debut at the US Open. It was this chain of events that one commentator decided to connect during Kalinskaya’s third-round clash against Amanda Anisimova. “(Anna) Kalinskaya ended her relationship with Jannik Sinner… I noticed the other day that Sinner was out hitting with Emma Navarro… Don’t know if that means anything… Makes you raise an eyebrow… I wonder if that’s on Kalinskaya’s mind at all…” the voice said.
The criticism grew louder when former WTA pro and Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs weighed in. Commenting on a clip of the moment on X, Stubbs wrote, “I have no words.” Her short response captured the sentiment of many fans who felt the remarks were unnecessary.
I have no words
— Rennae Stubbs (@rennaestubbs) August 12, 2025
Kalinskaya, however, has been making her own headlines on court. Seeded 28th, she opened her Cincinnati campaign in the second round after a bye, beating Peyton Stearns 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1. She then upset fifth seed Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 6-4 to book her spot in the fourth round. Sinner, too, has been having a strong week in Cincinnati, making his way into the fourth round.
His personal life, however, has always been a subject he keeps firmly closed off from public view.
Jannik Sinner shuts down speculation about his personal life
When Jannik Sinner was dating Anna Kalinskaya, he always made sure the relationship was private. “You know, I don’t like to talk much about my private life,” the World No.1 said at the French Open in 2024. “Yes, I’m with Anna, but we keep everything very confidential. I won’t say more.”
That stance hasn’t stopped speculation. Earlier this year, rumors swirled about a possible connection between Sinner and Laila Hasanovic after she was spotted in his player’s box at the French Open. “There’s a lot of attention,” Sinner said then, according to Tennis Up to Date. “Also, off the court, I was surprised to see some pictures, which, nothing serious. I’m not in a relationship.”
He did open up once, in a June 4, 2024, interview with Vanity Fair’s Federico Rocca. The Italian reflected on how many top players eventually settle down and start families. While he made it clear that he is focused on his career, he seemed open to the idea of doing the same one day. He said, “Of course it’s not easy, I travel a lot and during tournaments I’m very focused. But I think it’s a wonderful thing when you find the right love like everyone else. And then, if you think about it, the best tennis players in the world all have wives and children.”
For now, his attention is locked on the courts. Sinner will face Adrian Mannarino next as he tries to defend both his Cincinnati and US Open titles. Kalinskaya will aim to keep her own run going in the fourth round as she faces compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova.
The commentary might have stirred conversation, but the real story is still being written on court. And both Sinner and Kalinskaya seem determined to let their tennis do the talking.
The post Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Baffled by Strange Talk Around Jannik Sinner’s Love Life in a High Stake Cincinnati Clash appeared first on EssentiallySports.
