Tennis Drama Heats Up: Anna Kalinskaya Claims Holger Rune Slid Into Her DMs ’10 Times’ for a Date
Tennis courts aren’t the only place for intense rallies—off-court drama is serving up its own volleys. Russian star Anna Kalinskaya just spilled the tea on a persistent suitor from the men’s tour, naming Danish prodigy Holger Rune as the player who messaged her repeatedly in her DMs.
The Bold Revelation
In a candid interview on the First&Red YouTube channel on September 9, 2025, Anna Kalinskaya, the world No. 32, opened up about unwanted advances from fellow pros. When pressed on who had been most insistent, she laughed and dropped the name: Holger Rune.
“Tennis players—more often before,” Kalinskaya said, noting the attention has waned as she’s matured. “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. Thinks too much of himself.”
The 26-year-old ignored the messages, viewing them as date requests, and eventually, Rune stopped. This isn’t the first time Rune’s been called out—last month, Veronika Kudermetova revealed he messaged her until learning she was married.
Who Are the Players Involved?
Anna Kalinskaya has risen steadily in the WTA ranks, peaking at No. 11 last year and reaching the U.S. Open quarterfinals in 2025. She’s no stranger to high-profile romances, having dated Australian Nick Kyrgios in 2020 and Italian Jannik Sinner from 2024 until their split earlier this year. Rumors now link her to Argentinian Tomas Ferrari, with his dog Bella spotted in her player box at recent events.
Holger Rune, 21, is a Danish sensation ranked No. 11 on the ATP Tour, with finals at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters and a career-high No. 4 last year. Known for his aggressive baseline game, he’s faced Sinner multiple times, including a 2024 U.S. Open clash. Rune’s denied dating rumors, focusing on his career amid whispers of interest in Danish model Laila Hasanovic.
Rune’s Swift Response
Rune didn’t let the claim slide. Hours after the interview went viral, he posted on X: “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.” He dismissed the idea of persistent messaging, calling it a misunderstanding.
Kalinskaya hasn’t publicly replied, but the exchange has fans buzzing about communication gaps in the global tennis circuit. This echoes past incidents, like Rune’s alleged texts to Kudermetova, highlighting how social media blurs professional and personal lines.
Fan Reactions and Tennis Insider Takes
Social media erupted with memes and debates. Fans on X joked about Rune’s “DM game” being stronger than his backhand, while others defended him, citing cultural nuances between Danish directness and Russian interpretations. One viral clip of Kalinskaya’s laugh garnered over 500,000 views, with comments like “Tea is hot in tennis this week!”
Experts weigh in on the broader implications. Tennis analyst Rennae Stubbs noted on a podcast that such stories humanize pros but risk distracting from the sport: “It’s fun gossip, but let’s not forget they’re athletes first.” Others see it as empowering for women in tennis to speak out on boundaries.
Impact on U.S. Tennis Fans and the Sport
For American audiences, this scandal adds spice to the post-U.S. Open buzz, where Kalinskaya thrilled crowds with her run to the quarters. It spotlights the personal lives of stars who pack arenas like Arthur Ashe Stadium, blending entertainment with athletics.
In the $2 billion U.S. tennis economy, off-court drama boosts engagement—think increased social media follows and merchandise sales. It also sparks conversations on consent and digital etiquette in sports, relevant amid rising #MeToo echoes in athletics. Politically neutral, it underscores tennis’s global appeal, drawing diverse fans to events like the upcoming Laver Cup.
Lifestyle-wise, it reminds players of the pressures of fame, where a simple DM can go viral, affecting mental health and focus.
Conclusion: A Lighthearted Lesson in DMs
Anna Kalinskaya’s claim against Holger Rune has turned a private exchange into public fodder, with Rune’s rebuttal keeping the story alive. While no bad blood seems evident, it highlights the fine line pros navigate in personal interactions.
As the ATP and WTA tours roll into Asian Swing events, expect more on-court fireworks. For now, this DM saga proves tennis off the court is just as competitive—and entertaining.