6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Serving love: Top 5 Grand Slam romances that you probably didn't know about
They came for the trophies but left with butterflies. When tennis stars lock eyes across the net, sometimes the real match point happens after the final set. From locker room flings to center-court soulmates, these Grand Slam lovebirds have proven that love isn't just a four-letter word on the scoreboard — it's the ultimate doubles strategy.
So grab your popcorn and prep your heartstrings — we're serving you the juiciest, swooniest, top-spin romance stories tennis has ever seen.
Steffi Graf & Andre Agassi
When two of the greatest tennis legends in history crossed paths, the result wasn't just a combined 30 Grand Slam titles — it was a grand romance. Agassi had admired Graf from afar before they officially met at a charity event in 1999. Sparks flew quickly, and by 2001, they were married.
While they dominated their eras separately, their post-tennis life together — raising two kids in Las Vegas — became the real championship win.
Agassi often credits Steffi's grounded nature for keeping him balanced, and their bond remains a gold standard for tennis couples.
Roger Federer & Mirka Vavrinec
Before he became the GOAT, Roger Federer was a fresh-faced 18-year-old at the 2000 Sydney Olympics — where he met Mirka, a fellow Swiss player.
A quiet courtship blossomed during the games, and despite Mirka retiring early due to injury, she became Federer's rock — both as his wife and unofficial PR manager. They married in 2009 and have since raised two sets of twins. Federer often gushes that Mirka is the true MVP of his career, having supported him through every win, loss, and comeback.
Elina Svitolina & Gaël Monfils
These two brought a splash of Gen Z energy to the tennis circuit. Ukrainian powerhouse Elina Svitolina and French showman Gaël Monfils began dating in 2019 and quickly became fan favorites.
After a brief breakup in early 2021 (which nearly broke the internet), they surprised everyone by announcing their engagement — and got married that same year. Their joint Instagram account, @ is a quirky peek into their travel, training, and parenting adventures.
With their first child born in 2022, this duo is scoring points in both love and life.
Chris Evert & Jimmy Connors
The OG tennis romance of the 1970s, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors were the sport's sweethearts.
They were both top-ranked, ridiculously talented, and very publicly in love. In 1974, they each won Wimbledon — the ultimate power couple flex — and even got engaged. But young love can be tough under the spotlight, and they parted ways in 1975. Despite the split, their whirlwind romance still stands as one of tennis's most iconic 'what-could-have-beens.
'
Kim Clijsters & Lleyton Hewitt
This one's a tale of love, ambition, and timing. Belgian champ Kim Clijsters and Aussie ace Lleyton Hewitt met in 2000 and became engaged in 2003. Fans dubbed her 'Aussie Kim' due to her popularity Down Under. While their romance ended in 2004 — just before either had their biggest career wins — both went on to Grand Slam glory solo. No hard feelings though: Clijsters later married and had children, while Hewitt has remained a staple in Aussie tennis life.
Tennis may be a solo sport, but when love enters the game, these stars prove it's all about playing doubles — for life.
