The tennis world has erupted in outrage after a commentator at the Cincinnati Open made controversial remarks about Anna Kalinskaya’s past relationship during her match broadcast. What was supposed to be coverage of a hard-fought victory turned into an uncomfortable discussion about the Russian player’s personal life, leaving fans demanding answers about broadcast professionalism.
What Did the Cincinnati Open Commentator Say About Anna Kalinskaya?
On August 9, at the Women’s Tennis Association Cincinnati Open held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, No. 28 seed Anna Kalinskaya defeated Peyton Stearns in the round of 64. The match lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes, with Kalinskaya taking the win 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-1.
However, chaos erupted on social media soon after the showdown came to an end. A video clip of the broadcast made its way on X in which the commentator can be heard openly discussing Kalinskaya’s past relationship with Jannik Sinner.
“Probably know that Kalinskaya ended her relationship with Jannik Sinner earlier this year. I noticed the other day that Sinner was out, hitting with Emma Navarro here in Cincinnati. Don’t know if that means anything, likely nothing. But, it makes you raise an eyebrow,” he said.
How Did Tennis Fans React to the Inappropriate Commentary?
Disliking the comment, fans stepped forward to show their disagreement with the bizarre move. Firmly backing Kalinskaya on the matter, a fan turned furious towards the commentator.
“who the f*** is this commentator and why he found relevant to mention that lmao anna deserves better than this,” she wrote.
who the f*** is this commentator and why he found relevant to mention that lmao anna deserves better than this https://t.co/9zhb8w1TN5
— aniuska (@anallinaresg) August 11, 2025
Another fan simply explained the reason behind Sinner’s practice session with Navarro, saying:
“Besides being incredibly weird, the commie doesn’t know Navarro and Sinner are playing USO mixed doubles together???”
Besides being incredibly weird, the commie doesn’t know Navarro and Sinner are playing USO mixed doubles together??? https://t.co/61SO3PpOjv
— Earl in Accounting (@HumpA_55) August 11, 2025
A fan stepped onto the next level by demanding an elimination for this and several other commentators.
“All current tennis commies should be fired.. Except for maybe 2 of them, they’re all just biased/bigoted/nasty trolls, either worthless hasbeens lamenting their own failed tnns careers or casual randos utterly clueless about tnns,” he wrote.
All current tennis commies should be fired.. Except for maybe 2 of them, they’re all just biased/bigoted/nasty trolls, either worthless hasbeens lamenting their own failed tnns careers or casual randos utterly clueless about tnns
ChatGPT would do a better job (& I loathe ChatGPT) https://t.co/sSg3n1sE77— S (@Eneri918) August 12, 2025
Another fan clearly mentioned how this was nothing more than an unprofessional move.
“Why is that a relevant thing to say during a match?? No professionalism in sight smh,” he wrote.
Why is that a relevant thing to say during a match?? No professionalism in sight smh https://t.co/Wm3Zho4kRv
— Dee (@63defence) August 11, 2025
With these and several other comments on a similar note, the fans made their frustration clear on the unexpected move from the Cincinnati Open commentator. Following Kalinskaya’s recent victory over Stearns and Amanda Anisimova, she now faces Ekaterina Alexandrova in the round of 16.
When Did Jannik Sinner Confirm His Split From Anna Kalinskaya?
Jannik Sinner’s admission of parting ways with Anna Kalinskaya came shortly after his return to tour following a three-month ban. During a pre-event press conference at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Rome, the 23-year-old mentioned noticing heavy attention on his personal life.
“Off the court I was very surprised to see some pictures… nothing, nothing, nothing serious. I’m not in a relationship,” he said, confirming the end of his relationship with the Russian WTA star.
Jannik Sinner confirms he’s not in a relationship:
“Off the court I was very surprised to see some pictures… nothing, nothing, nothing serious. I’m not in a relationship.”
(via @LinaShokh)
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 5, 2025
Currently competing at the Cincinnati Open, Sinner is yet to play his first match after lifting the Wimbledon trophy for the first time in his career.
