Tennis News Today: Novak Djokovic's wife Jelena mourns death of little girl; Jannik Sinner makes rare appearance with girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya's brother & more
Novak Djokovic's wife, Jelena, mourned the tragic death of a seven-year-old girl, who was killed in Croatia's recent stabbing attack. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner made a rare public appearance alongside his girlfriend, Anna Kalinskaya's brother, Nikolay Kalinsky.
Aryna Sabalenka shared her opinion on Iga Swiatek’s tennis ban following the doping controversy that stunned fans. Meanwhile, Chris Evert celebrated her 70th birthday with heartfelt wishes from close friends Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King.
On that note, let's take a look at the day's biggest headlines:
Novak Djokovic's wife Jelena heartbroken as 7-year-old girl gets killed in Croatia
Novak Djokovic's wife, Jelena, has always been outspoken on social issues, never hesitating to share her strong opinions. This was once again evident when she reacted to the news of a little girl being killed in a stabbing attack in Croatia, expressing her sorrow.
The incident took place at Precko Elementary School in Zagreb where a 19-year-old, reportedly a former student, entered the school on its last day before Christmas and carried out a stabbing spree. His actions led to the death of a seven-year-old girl and left eight others, including a teacher, severely injured.
Jelena took to Instagram Stories and wrote:
"Zagreb," followed by an emoji of a broken heart.
Later, speaking to the Croatian daily 24sata, the attacker’s mother described her son as having an “emotionally unstable personality” and said she had urged the doctors in the psychiatric ward where he was admitted to ensure he was not released under any circumstances.
Jannik Sinner poses with girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya's brother Nikolay
Jannik Sinner's relationship with his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya appeared to be going through a rough patch, as she recently told Harper's Bazaar before an interview that no questions about him would be entertained.
However, Sinner put all the speculation to rest when he met Kalinskaya's brother, Nikolay, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and posed for a picture with him and his two young children.
While Kalinskaya chose tennis, her brother pursued soccer and became a pro. He plays for FC Pari Nizhny Novgorod, balancing roles as both a central and defensive midfielder.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts to Iga Swiatek's controversial doping ban
Aryna Sabalenka shared her thoughts on the doping controversy surrounding her arch-rival, Iga Swiatek, which came to light last month. The Pole tested positive for the banned substance Trimetazidine (TMZ) during an out-of-competition screening on August 12, 2024, leading to a one-month ban from tennis.
In an interview with The National, Sabalenka was asked to share her opinion on the matter. The World No. 1 said she preferred not to comment extensively, adding that she firmly believes in "clean sport."
"People are really used to overreacting before figuring stuff out, so I don’t want to leave any comments. I believe in clean sport and nothing else I can add," she said.
The Belarusian's comments came while she and Swiatek were competing at the World Tennis League, a mixed-gender team event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Sabalenka's team, the Hawks, reached the final against the Falcons, while Swiatek's team, the Eagles, fell short.
Martina Navratilova & Billie Jean King wish Chris Evert on 70th birthday
Chris Evert celebrated her 70th birthday on December 21. She had a memorable day as she received heartfelt wishes from fans worldwide and warm messages from her former colleagues, Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King.
King took to X and wrote:
"On this day in 1954, a future tennis legend was born! Happy birthday to 18x Grand Slam singles champion, the first woman athlete to be @SInow's sole recipient of the "Sportsperson of the Year" award, and our dear friend, @ChrissieEvert!
Later, Navratilova joined in, referring to Evert as the "champion of champions" to make her day even more special.
"Happy 70th today to my friend, nemesis, partner and most of all an amazing, strong, resilient and compassionate woman, champion of champions! Lots of love, m. Here is looking at you, kid :)," Navratilova wrote.