Nick Kyrgios Criticized for Mocking Ex-Girlfriend’s Relationship with Jannik Sinner

Nick Kyrgios Criticized for Mocking Ex-Girlfriend’s Relationship with Jannik Sinner

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has come under fire after making an insensitive remark about his ex-girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya’s current relationship with Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner. The controversy unfolded during the 2024 U.S. Open when a photo of Kalinskaya and Kyrgios from a 2020 basketball game resurfaced on social media. Kyrgios, who had dated Kalinskaya before she became involved with Sinner, took to the post and jokingly commented “Second serve.” This comment seemed to be a subtle jab at his ex-girlfriend’s new romance, and it quickly sparked criticism.

The remark didn’t sit well with many fans and commentators. Some took to social media to express their distaste for Kyrgios’s actions, with one user saying they were “disgusted” by his behavior. In response to the backlash, Kyrgios defended his comment on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that people overreact to a few words or emojis, calling it an example of how “too much power” is given to such small gestures. However, his comments only seemed to fuel the controversy further, with many criticizing his insensitivity toward Kalinskaya, especially given the nature of their past relationship.

Although Kyrgios wasn’t competing at the U.S. Open this year—working as a commentator for ESPN instead—his presence was still a point of contention. Several experts and journalists expressed surprise that ESPN allowed him to commentate on the women’s singles final, particularly after his public remarks about Kalinskaya. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, for instance, pointed out that Kyrgios has a history of making disparaging comments about women’s tennis, making it a questionable decision for the network to keep him on air.

Meanwhile, Kalinskaya and Sinner have continued to share their relationship publicly. The two confirmed their romance during the U.S. Open, with Sinner celebrating his 2024 U.S. Open victory with Kalinskaya by his side. The 23-year-old Sinner, currently ranked number one in the ATP standings, expressed how happy he was to have found “true love” with Kalinskaya. The 26-year-old Russian player, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open, has been making waves on the WTA circuit and is currently ranked 14th in the world.

Kyrgios, on the other hand, has been struggling with injuries and form since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022. He hasn’t played since the end of the 2023 season, and in recent statements, he admitted that his career may soon come to an end. Despite his ongoing health challenges, Kyrgios hasn’t shied away from speaking publicly about other players. Before the U.S. Open, he made headlines by discussing Sinner’s doping case, adding another layer to his already controversial public persona.

While Kyrgios continues to face backlash for his recent actions, both Sinner and Kalinskaya seem to be focusing on their blossoming relationship and successful careers. Their relationship is seen as one of the more heartwarming stories in the tennis world, contrasting sharply with the drama surrounding Kyrgios.