Rather than talk about the competitive side of tennis, I want to address the personal, and more specifically, the romantic side. It is Valentine’s Day after all.
Inevitably, tennis players are attracted to other tennis player. Whether it’s because they can relate to the struggle of a fellow player, they are always around each other, or because they simply have killer bodies, tennis players always seem to get together.
With that being said, the public can often be more obsessed with the matchmaking off the court than the match winning on it. More often than not, these relationships are doomed for failure. It must be difficult to navigate through a relationship (which is often only built on the fact the two of you play tennis) that is constantly scrutinized by an ever present media. You need an example?
Chris Evert, America’s sweetheart, and Jimmy Connors, the bad boy of tennis, couldn’t have been more different both on and off the court. When they met in 1972, Evert was a sheltered 17 year old who found herself under constant surveillance from her watchful mother. Connors on the other hand was brash 19 year old, who had already gained a reputation as an eccentric an outspoken individual on tour. They seemed an unlikely match, but soon after meeting they began dating. Just two years later, the year they both won Wimbledon, they were engaged. Imagine the media storm that would have created in this day and age? Even back then the attention proved too much, and they soon broke off their engagement. The reason for their breakup has been the subject of great debate over the years. Scathing allegations from both sides have been fired, but those stories are for another time. Either way, what can we take away from this relationship?
Do not rush into something you are actually not prepared for.
There are however, plenty of tennis couples out there that make it work. Let’s have a look on what those couples can teach us. Maybe you’ll find out that your Valentine sweetheart and you are meant to be for each other.
Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi
From the moment Steffi Graf showed up on the pro tennis circuit, Andre Agassi could not take his eyes off her. He tried to get her to go out with him early on but Steffi was quite hesitant. If you consider Agassi’s appearance and behavior in his early days, you can hardly blame her. In 2011 however, they ended up getting married only four days before later Graff gave birth to their first of two children. They have been together ever since. Fun sidenote: In preparation for her marriage to Agassi, actress Brooke Shields had a picture of Steffi Graff on her wall as workout motivation. Agassi wrote in his book that Shields referred to Graff as “The perfect woman with the perfect legs — the legs Brooke wants.” Foreshadowing at its finest.
Lesson: All good things are worth waiting for.
Mirka and Roger Federer
No surprise that Roger, the most successful player ever, has also been successful in love. He and Miroslava Vavrinec, also known as Mirka, met in 2000 at the Summer Olympics when they were both competing for Switzerland. many forget that Mirka was a former tennis player herself reaching No 76 in the world in 2001. Due to recurring injuries in her foot she retired the same year but since then has been the one constant by Roger’s side throughout the years. A few TV shots of Mirka during the match are about as predictable as a Federer win. Finally in 2009, they married and have since had twin girls, with another child on the way. Now that Fed has been in a bit of a funk lately, he is sure to be leaning on her support more than ever. She has been there through all the pressure and stress of the Grand Slam titles, now it’s up to her to be there during his decline. What a beautiful couple!
Lesson: One has to step back sometime!
Radek Stepanek and Petra Kvitova
It gets a bit confusing with all the Czech players dating each other, but Radek Stepanek relationship status is by far the most confusing and surprising. First, he was engaged to Martina Hingis (who knew!), then he got married to former World No 7 player Nicole Vaidisova which lasted 3 years. Now in his mid 30s, he has moved on to the next big player Czech player to appear on the scene, 23 year old Petra Kvitova. He must have some serious game, because he isn’t exactly a looker. Both are from small cities within the Czech Republic, where their families still reside, which certainly helps in building a great foundation for a relationship. I hope Radek is finally ready to settle.
Lesson: You need to kiss some frogs until you find the prince!
Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov
Just a rumor? No, they’ve made it official. Top starlett Sharapova and Bulgarian “Youngster” Dimitrov are officially dating. At first I thought he may just be her handbag, but it appears things are getting pretty serious. Sharapova got out of her last relationship in 2012 swearing to take a step back and to focus on her career. Her own promise not to get involved with someone didn’t really work out. She – the 26 year old – found love in the 22 year old Bulgarian who is playing some standout tennis himself, becoming the first Bulgarian ever to be in the 3rd round of a Grand Slam. Maria, the grizzled vet, seems to be rubbing off on the up and coming Dimitrov in all the best ways.
Lesson: Age ain’t nothing but a thing.
