The Hidden Struggle Behind Anna Kalinskaya’s 2025 Resurgence — And Why You Should Be Rooting for Her
In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where breakthroughs often come after years of quiet grinding, Anna Kalinskaya’s story stands out as one of quiet resilience. The 27-year-old Russian, born in Moscow on December 2, 1998, has long been a talented player on the WTA Tour. But 2025 has marked a true resurgence for her — a season of deep runs, a major doubles triumph, and a steady presence in the top 35 rankings despite relentless physical and personal challenges.
Kalinskaya’s year began on a rocky note. Plagued by lingering injuries from previous seasons and fresh setbacks, including illness that forced her withdrawal from the Australian Open, she struggled to find rhythm early on. Heat-related issues and withdrawals in Adelaide and other early tournaments highlighted her ongoing battle with her body. Yet, as the hard-court swing picked up in the summer, something shifted. She reached the final of the Washington DC Open, falling to Leylah Fernandez in a hard-fought match. Quarterfinals followed in high-level events like the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, and she notched a semifinal in Singapore. By late season, she was competing deep into tournaments, including strong showings in Asia.
Perhaps her brightest moment came in doubles, where she partnered with Sorana Cîrstea to claim the prestigious WTA 1000 title at the Madrid Open — the biggest doubles crown of her career. It was a testament to her adaptability and teamwork, areas where she has quietly excelled, winning four WTA doubles titles overall.
But behind these achievements lies a hidden struggle that makes her resurgence all the more compelling. Kalinskaya has been open about how injuries forced her to confront the fragility of her career. A prolonged hamstring issue in 2023, followed by wrist, knee, and thigh problems in subsequent years, taught her to listen to her body and prioritize long-term health over short-term gains. “It was a big realization,” she has reflected in interviews, noting how time off the court helped her appreciate tennis more deeply and return with renewed focus. Frequent medical timeouts and retirements throughout 2025 drew criticism from some corners of the tennis world, but they also underscored her determination to push through pain while protecting her future.
Adding to the emotional toll was a high-profile personal chapter. Kalinskaya’s relationship with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, which went public in 2024 amid shared moments of support during his Grand Slam triumphs, ended quietly in early 2025. Confirmed by Sinner himself in May, the breakup came during a period of intense scrutiny for both players. Navigating heartbreak in the public eye, while traveling the globe and competing at elite levels, is no small feat.
Yet Kalinskaya has emerged stronger, channeling these trials into her game. Her flat groundstrokes, aggressive baseline play, and improved mental toughness have shone through in clutch moments. Ending the year around world No. 33 in singles — after peaking at No. 11 the previous season — she has proven her ability to rebound and compete with the best.
Why root for Anna Kalinskaya? In an era dominated by powerhouse names, she represents the underrated fighter: the player who overcomes invisible battles, adapts without complaint, and delivers inspiring performances when it matters most. Her journey reminds us that true resurgence isn’t just about rankings or titles — it’s about perseverance, growth, and the quiet courage to keep swinging. As she heads into the next season, healthier and more experienced, Kalinskaya has all the tools to climb even higher. She’s not just playing tennis; she’s earning every step of her comeback.
