By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia
A flurry of tennis balls fluttered in Jannik Sinner’s face.
Sinner faced every single one with a smile.
Receiving a hero’s welcome during his practice sessions in Rome, Sinner has spent time signing souvenir tennis balls for fans after each practice. Sinner, and Italian fans, are both excited for his comeback match.
On Saturday, Sinner will play his first match since sweeping Alexander Zverev to defend the Australian Open then serving a three-month suspension to settle WADA’s appeal of his doping case.
The world No. 1 draws a crowd wherever he goes, but these days Sinner says he’s living the single life off court.
The 23-year-old Italian had been dating WTA star Anna Kalinskaya, who was in his box and delivered a celebratory kiss after he defeated Taylor Fritz to win the US Open last September, but confirmed his single status in his pre-tournament presser.
“I’m not in a relationship,” Sinner told the media in Rome.
“I was very surprised to see some pictures, which, you know, nothing serious,” Sinner told the media in Rome. “I’m not in a relationship.
“So, whoever is asking, that’s it. It’s all good.”
Italian media published photos of the three-time Grand Slam champion hanging out with model Lara Leito last month prompting speculation they were dating. But Sinner said he is not in any romantic relationship.
Jannik 💞 Anna pic.twitter.com/1AYpbiYYxV
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024
The owner of 19 career titles, Sinner famously celebrated his US Open triumph sharing this embrace and kiss with then girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya, who went public with their relationship before the 2024 Roland Garros.
