In the fiercely competitive world of professional tennis, where intensity meets sweat, strategy, and spotlight, love still finds a way to sneak past the baseline. Grand Slam courts have witnessed historic victories, shocking upsets—and surprisingly tender love stories that most fans never even noticed. These are not just the celebrity pairings you see in headlines; these are the hidden gems, the quiet courtships, the real love matches that blossomed amid fierce rivalries and high-stakes battles.
Today, we serve you the Top 5 Grand Slam romances you probably didn’t know about—a mix of secret flings, long-term loves, and surprising partnerships. Each love story unfolded differently, but all shared one thing in common: the power of tennis to bring hearts together under the global spotlight.
🎾 1. Dominic Thiem & Kristina Mladenovic – The Secret Sweethearts
You probably know Dominic Thiem for his raw power and epic 2020 US Open comeback win. But during his rise, Thiem also scored love points off the court with French tennis star Kristina Mladenovic. While neither player flaunted their relationship publicly at first, eagle-eyed fans noticed shared vacations, subtle social media exchanges, and courtside support during key matches.
Their romance had its golden period around 2017–2019, with both players cheering each other on at Grand Slams. While it eventually ended quietly, it was the kind of relationship that flew under the radar for many—built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and a deep understanding of tennis pressure. Their story reminds us that even elite athletes find comfort in someone who gets it.
Love Lesson: Sometimes, the strongest support comes from someone walking the same path—even if they’re on the other side of the net.
🎾 2. Andrea Hlaváčková & Fabrice Martin – From Mixed Doubles to Real Chemistry
Czech doubles star Andrea Hlaváčková had a storied tennis career, complete with an Olympic silver medal. But one of her most heartwarming achievements came through her on-court partnership with Frenchman Fabrice Martin. Though the two never won a Grand Slam title together, their time on the mixed doubles circuit sparked more than just tennis magic.
Their connection slowly turned into something real. Teammates noticed the way they communicated, the laughter between points, and the mutual admiration. While they didn’t broadcast a full-on relationship, those in the tennis world whispered about how their chemistry extended beyond the court.
Eventually, Hlaváčková married someone else, but her partnership with Martin remains one of the sport’s lesser-known but sweetest “what could have been” tales.
Love Lesson: In doubles and in life, the spark doesn’t always lead to forever—but it sure makes for a memorable match.
🎾 3. Lucie Safarova & Tomas Berdych – Czech Republic’s Star Couple That Almost Was
For a brief moment, Czech tennis fans believed they had the ultimate power couple in Lucie Safarova and Tomas Berdych. Both were top-ranked players at the same time, both represented the Czech Republic at the Olympics and Davis/Fed Cups, and both had the kind of elegance and athleticism that made them media darlings.
Their romance, which lasted a few years during the mid-2000s, was not as headline-heavy as others. They didn’t walk many red carpets or share public declarations of love. But in interviews and locker-room chatter, it was clear that there was admiration between them—both for each other’s talent and commitment to the sport.
The relationship eventually fizzled, and both have since moved on, but in Grand Slam history, few couples were so equally matched in stature and skill.
Love Lesson: Two stars can shine bright on their own, but even the most well-matched duos sometimes burn out.
🎾 4. Gisela Dulko & Fernando Gago – When Tennis Meets Football
While not strictly two tennis players, this love story deserves a top spot for crossing sporting lines. Argentine WTA player Gisela Dulko, known for her graceful game and doubles success (including an Australian Open title), stunned fans when she began dating—then married—Argentine football star Fernando Gago.
The two met at a charity event, and their relationship blossomed quickly. Dulko eventually retired from tennis to focus on family life, and their marriage seemed like the perfect athlete-meets-athlete fairy tale. The couple were one of Argentina’s most beloved sports pairs, with Grand Slam titles and World Cup dreams rolled into one.
Sadly, the marriage ended in 2021 amid personal controversies. Still, for years, their story was one of mutual admiration, love, and sporting legacy.
Love Lesson: Love between elite athletes can be intense and inspiring—but also vulnerable to life’s hardest moments.
🎾 5. Maria Sharapova & Grigor Dimitrov – The Golden Pair That Glimmered Briefly
Tennis royalty, fashion icons, and absolute stunners—Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov were once the “it” couple of the tennis world. Their relationship began in 2013 and quickly became the talk of every Slam. Both had incredible baseline games, massive endorsement deals, and off-court charisma that lit up red carpets.
Fans were mesmerized by their effortless glam. The pair supported each other through ups and downs—Sharapova during her injury comeback, Dimitrov as he reached the Wimbledon semifinals. Yet despite looking like a match made in Grand Slam heaven, the romance fizzled by 2015.
Years later, Dimitrov reflected fondly on the relationship, calling it a significant part of his personal growth. Sharapova, ever the icon, moved on gracefully as well.
Love Lesson: Even when two stars align, timing and ambition can send them in different orbits.
❤️ Love Finds a Way—Even in the Fast Lane
These five under-the-radar Grand Slam romances prove that while titles and trophies may define a tennis career, it’s the quiet moments between the matches that often define a life. Love on the court isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s found in shared glances after match point, whispered encouragement in the locker room, or knowing someone’s waiting in the stands when you walk off the court in victory or defeat.
From high-profile flings to quiet connections, tennis has always been a game of emotion. And sometimes, amid the rallies and rivalries, the most unforgettable stories aren’t found in the history books—but in the hearts of the players who dared to love in the spotlight.
