Sinner's ex-girlfriend breaks silence ahead of Medvedev clash at Wimbledon | Tennis

Jannik Sinner’s ex-girlfriend has broken her silence since the Italian tennis sensation confirmed he was dating another Wimbledon star. Maria Braccini began dating Sinner in 2020, and their relationship has remained private for the most part.

However, in May this year, the Wimbledon star announced that he was now dating Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya without giving any details of his breakup with Braccini. His 23-year-old ex-girlfriend remained silent on social media following her split from Sinner, but has now posted for the first time on Instagram since late March.

Speaking on social media ahead of her ex’s Wimbledon clash with Daniil Medvedev, the influencer and model said: “I’ve never talked about myself on social media, I’ve never shared anything about my private life or what I’m doing. I’ve worked hard over the last few years to achieve one of my biggest dreams.”

She added: “I went on a journey to sign a paper that is really important to me, which marks the beginning of a new and long journey. Thank you for all the affection you have always shown me, especially in this last period, I am immensely grateful to you. Often, when reading you, my eyes were clear, aware of the affection and support you gave me. Thank you, thank you, thank you with all my heart.”

To conclude his message, which showed photos from last month, Braccini added: “And then… How do you say? For every door that closes, there’s always another one that opens. See you soon!”

Sinner, 22, is currently competing at Wimbledon as the favourite to win the title and add to the trophy he won at the Australian Open earlier this year. He faced Yannick Handfmann in his first match, which he won 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, before beating Matteo Berrettini in a tight second-round match that ended 7-6, 7-6, 6-2, 7-6.

Sinner beat Miomir Kecmanović 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round before overcoming Ben Shelton in the round of 16 6-2, 6-4, 7-6. He will then face Medvedev in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Tuesday – if he wins, he will meet the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul.

Her new girlfriend Kalinskaya also looked set to make waves at Wimbledon, until an injury forced her to withdraw from her match against Elena Rybakina. Kalinskaya, who was being watched by her partner Sinner, had already beaten Panna Udvardy, Marie Bouzkova and Liudmila Samsonova before facing the Kazakh in the round of 16, losing 6-3 in the first set.

But neck and arm pain eventually forced her to retire in the second round, allowing her opponent to advance to the quarter-finals against Elina Svitolina. Kalinskaya, 25, is still seeking her first Grand Slam title after being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open earlier this year.