Shocking Turnaround: How Anna Kalinskaya’s Break with Sinner & Brutal Schedule Battles Could Define Her 2026 Comeback

Anna Kalinskaya’s 2025 was a season of soaring highs and soul-testing lows — and as 2026 kicks off, the Russian star might be on the brink of a new era of resilience and redemption.

At the tail end of last year, Kalinskaya publicly called out the WTA and Cincinnati Open for “unfair” scheduling, igniting a firestorm on social media and among fans worldwide. The 27-year-old unleashed her frustration after rain delays pushed her match against Iga Swiatek into the early morning hours, forcing her to battle exhaustion as well as elite competition — a blow that many top athletes quietly endure but seldom speak about publicly.

That wasn’t the only storm Kalinskaya weathered in 2025. Off the court, she confirmed a breakup with fellow tennis star Jannik Sinner, revealing she’s now dating someone new who’s outside the tennis world, reportedly working in finance. This fresh chapter in her personal life became headline news across sports outlets and fueled nonstop speculation among fans and commentators alike.

Yet the emotional tumult hasn’t stopped Kalinskaya from charging forward professionally. The hard-court season saw some tough results — including a retirement due to injury at the Hong Kong Tennis Open that left fans calling her “the most unlucky player on tour” — but she also had moments of true grit. Her impressive run to the semifinals at the Washington Open and highlights from the U.S. hard-court swing showed flashes of the fearless competitor she’s known to be.

And let’s not forget the heartwarming moments that brought smiles amid the pressure. During last year’s Washington Open, Kalinskaya’s adorable dog Bella sprinted onto court after a big win, instantly becoming an internet sensation and reminding fans that behind every fierce tennis star is a human with passions and loved ones.

As she prepares for the 2026 Brisbane International — starting with a hard matchup against Tereza Valentova — the question on everyone’s mind is this: Can Anna harness both the fire in her game and the lessons from her tumultuous year to rewrite her narrative?

One thing is clear — Kalinskaya isn’t a footnote in anyone’s story. She’s a headline maker, emotionally vulnerable, fiercely competitive, and unpredictable in the best possible way. Whether battling schedule battles, life transitions, injuries, or top-tier opponents, she’s shaping a journey that’s nothing short of blockbuster material.

Stay tuned — Anna’s next chapter is just beginning.