Full Breakdown
Kalinskaya Calls Out Rune: A Tennis DM Drama
9/11/2025, 3:23:30 PM
The Central Incident: Anna Kalinskaya's Claims Against Holger Rune
Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya recently stirred controversy by alleging that Danish player Holger Rune slid into her direct messages (DMs) ten times in an attempt to ask her out. During an interview on the "First&Red" podcast, Kalinskaya, who previously dated world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, stated that Rune "thinks too much of himself" and described him as "desperate" for his persistence. Kalinskaya, currently ranked No. 32 in the world, noted that while she used to receive more advances from male players, she now finds many of them unworthy of her attention.
Rune's Response: Cultural Misunderstandings
In response to Kalinskaya's claims, Rune, ranked No. 11, took to social media to refute her account. He suggested that there may be "cultural differences" at play, implying that Kalinskaya misinterpreted his messages. "If I want to go on a date, I ask for a date. Don’t worry," he stated, attempting to downplay the situation. This exchange has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of communication in the world of professional tennis.
Background on Kalinskaya's Relationships
Kalinskaya's dating history includes high-profile relationships with both Jannik Sinner and Australian player Nick Kyrgios. She described her past relationship with Kyrgios as tumultuous, labeling him a "bad person" during an Instagram Live session. Her relationship with Sinner, which began in early 2024, ended earlier this year, shortly before she began dating Tomas Ferrari, a businessman with a background in sports but not a professional athlete.
Criticism & Opposition: The Fallout from Kalinskaya's Claims
Kalinskaya's comments have sparked discussions about the dynamics of dating within the professional tennis circuit. Critics argue that her public naming of Rune could be seen as an attempt to gain attention or to undermine his reputation. Rune's supporters have also pointed out that his messages may have been misinterpreted, emphasizing the need for clarity in such interactions.
Official Statements & Responses
Kalinskaya's remarks have been widely circulated, prompting various reactions from fans and fellow players alike. Rune's assertion that his messages were not intended as romantic overtures has been met with mixed responses, with some siding with Kalinskaya and others defending Rune's character.
What's Next: Implications for Both Players
The fallout from this incident may have implications for both Kalinskaya and Rune as they navigate their careers in professional tennis. Kalinskaya has expressed openness to finding love on tour, while Rune will likely face scrutiny as he continues to compete. Both players are expected to focus on their upcoming tournaments, with Rune aiming to regain his form after a disappointing run in recent Grand Slams.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tennis players — more often before. Now I’m older. I don’t know, for some, it’s just no chance at all. No need to write. Someone wrote like 10 times and then gave up. I’ll say it now, but Holger Rune. He writes to everyone. He deserves all this. Thinks too much of himself. But he’s not the only one. A couple [more],” — Anna Kalinskaya, Tennis Player
- “Ha ha ha. We might have cultural differences that make Anna read a comment on a story as an invitation to a date. if I want to go on a date, I ask for a date. Don't worry.” — Holger Rune, Tennis Player
