Kalinskaya Heads to Hawaii, Pokes Fun at Maldives Vacation Trend among Tennis Stars
As the offseason arrives between mid-November and early December, tennis stars traditionally take time off — often heading to the Maldives, where the weather remains idyllic. Over the past few years, players have even joked that the island feels like an extension of the Tour during this period.
But not everyone is following the Maldives trend. Russian WTA star Anna Kalinskaya, currently ranked No. 33, opted for Hawaii instead. Sharing a series of sun-soaked photos on Instagram in a blue-and-black dress, she playfully noted the alternative destination, with fellow WTA player Priscilla Hon commenting: “Plus it’s not the Maldives.”
Meanwhile, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, after losing the WTA Finals title match to Elena Rybakina, joked about hurrying to the Maldives for some tequila, reflecting the lighthearted side of the offseason.
Eubanks Confirms Retirement at 29
On the men’s side, Christopher Eubanks, 29, announced the end of his professional tennis career. The 2023 Mallorca champion reflected on his decision during an appearance on Andy Roddick’s podcast, saying he had simply “reached a point” where he was no longer chasing goals in tennis.
Eubanks, who had risen to the top 100 in 2023 and won his first ATP title in Mallorca, struggled with a wrist injury at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He spent most of 2025 on the Challenger Tour and ended the year ranked No. 266. “I didn’t miss tennis this time,” he said. “I couldn’t find a reason to keep going.”
Becker Weighs In on Zverev’s Mental Struggles
Tennis legend Boris Becker recently commented on Alexander Zverev’s mental challenges affecting his performance. The German star, ranked No. 3, has struggled with consistency despite strong physical play, including a semi-final run in Paris and a narrow loss to Sinner in Vienna. Becker suggested Zverev might benefit from changing his support team to improve his mindset — advice that drew mixed reactions.
Off-Court Rivalries: Alcaraz and Sinner in Friendly Competition
Off the court, tennis rivalries are proving to be more friendly. Jannik Sinner and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz have faced each other six times this year, with Alcaraz winning four matches. Despite their on-court intensity, the two maintain a positive relationship. Sinner described their dynamic as “healthy,” with mutual respect between both players and their teams.
Summary: The tennis offseason sees stars like Kalinskaya taking playful digs at Maldives trips, veterans like Eubanks retiring, and ongoing rivalries, both competitive and friendly, shaping the sport’s landscape.
