Tennis News Today: Jannik Sinner's girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya refuses to entertain relationship questions; Chris Evert argues as Roger Federer preferred over Martina Navratilova, and more

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya brushed off questions about their relationship. In other news, Chris Evert advocated for Martina Navratilova's statue at Wimbledon amid calls for Roger Federer's tribute.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian opened up about his immigrant experience and ensuring a better future for his daughters. Andy Murray’s former coach predicted big things for the former's upcoming coaching partnership with Novak Djokovic.

On that note, here's a recap of today's top tennis news:

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Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya avoids talking about their relationship

Jannik Sinner's girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya, declined to respond to questions about their relationship. This move comes amid growing speculation about a possible breakup. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship earlier this year.

Kalinskaya was recently featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar's January 2025 issue in Australia, where she also participated in an interview. However, the Russian tennis star chose not to address her personal life with Sinner.

"In the middle of 2024, she began dating year-end world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. At time of writing, the status of that relationship was unclear. Crystal clear, on the other hand, was the pre-interview instruction to BAZAAR not to raise the topic," one of the excerpts read.

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Tennis legend Chris Evert pushes for Martina Navratilova's Wimbledon statue amid Roger Federer tribute talks

Chris Evert expressed her support for former rival and close friend Martina Navratilova to receive a statue at Wimbledon, responding to a fan’s suggestion of one for Roger Federer in recognition of his record-breaking eight titles at the All England Club.

On December 20, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared an AI-generated image of a Federer statue at Wimbledon, asking if he deserved one at SW19.

"Does Roger Federer deserve a statue at Wimbledon?" the user wrote.

Evert replied, suggesting that Navratilova should be considered instead, noting her unmatched record of nine singles, seven doubles, and four mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon in the Open Era---more than any male or female tennis player.

"What about @Martina who's won it 9 times?" Evert wrote.

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Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian discusses his immigrant experience and protecting his daughters from hardships

Tennis icon Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian shared insights into his experiences as an immigrant and how he works to protect his daughters, Olympia and Adira, from similar hardships. Ohanian, whose father is of Armenian descent and mother was a German immigrant, opened up about these challenges during a conversation with comedian Hasan Minhaj on the "Business Dad podcast."

Ohanian praised Minhaj’s portrayal of the immigrant journey and noted that while he wants to shield his daughters from pain, he believes challenges are key to growth and resilience.

"And then how to do it in your own home and how to inject that in your kids. I don't want my child to feel pain. I think that is a natural feeling. But so much of that growth you are talking about comes from that pain," Ohanian said.

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Andy Murray's ex-coach shares bold prediction on the Brit and Novak Djokovic's new partnership

Andy Murray's former coach Daniel Vallverdu made a notable prediction about the upcoming partnership between the British tennis star and Novak Djokovic for the 2025 season.

In an interview with The National on December 19, Vallverdu, who coached Murray from 2010 to 2014, stated that the Brit would be a key source of "motivation" for the Serbian tennis icon.

"I think he brings a lot – and a lot more than people can think of as a first impression. I think he will bring motivation, he will bring a sense of, it’s them against the younger boys," Vallverdu said.

Vallverdu also highlighted Murray’s deep "tennis knowledge" and high "IQ" as key factors that will greatly benefit Djokovic during their collaboration.

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