Eternal romantic sagas are not merely restricted to movies or books, these are found even in real life, that too in the cases of renowned sportspersons. Now, you might wonder how on earth can there be memorable romantic tales in the lives of athletes as such digressions would only take their minds away from the real action on the sporting field. However, these sports stars have defied the norm by weaving splendid romantic tales in real life. So, let us explore some iconic love stories involving famous athletes.
Roger & Mirka Federer
The 20-time Grand Slam winner’s off-the-court tales are as wonderful as his on-the-court exploits. The Swiss legend’s romantic tale can be a source of inspiration to couples across the world grappling with work-life balance. Federer met Mirka, an ex-WTA player, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and romance blossomed between the duo. Since then the two have been together and their relationship has only gone from strength to strength over the years. Mirka can be regularly seen in the matches that Federer features in where she keeps cheering for him from the stands. She is also Federer’s biggest support system whenever the latter finds himself in a crisis. Had it not been for Mirka, Federer would have walked into the sunset a long time back.
Lionel Messi & Antonella Roccuzzo
This is another love story that withstood all the furies and evolved greatly over the years. Messi was a mere 9-year-old kid when he got love-struck by Roccuzzo. Newell’s Old Boys Youth System in Rosario is where the place where romance began to flourish. However, things took a different turn when Messi moved to Barca as a teenager, but an unfortunate death of a common friend united them yet again. Since then she has been an integral part of his life and they are now proud parents of two sons as well. The duo also shares a crown tattoo, showcasing their intense love for each other.
Sachin & Anjali Tendulkar
The Master Blaster was only in his teens when he got bowled over by a maiden called Anjali. They both were poles apart professionally but somehow found love in each other. After a brief period of courtship, they eventually got married in 1995. It won’t be wrong to say that it is Anjali, who brought stability in Sachin’s life and stood behind him like a pillar of strength when the latter’s cricketing career swayed from one end of the spectrum to the other. A doctor by profession, Anjali sacrificed her career at the altar of family life so that Sachin can fully focus on his cricket. Their romance epitomises tales of sacrifice and utmost devotion. They also have a daughter, Sara, and a son, Arjun.
Sourav & Dona Ganguly
The premise was similar to that of Romeo and Juliet as their families were constantly at loggerheads with each other. But love blossomed between the next-door neighbours, Sourav and Dona, during childhood itself. However, their love story, eventually, had an ending different from Shakespeare’s doomed lovers as they eloped and got married in 1996 before the England series, which defined Sourav’s career. Despite initial reservations, both the families accepted the alliance, and the partnership has remained unbroken in spite of several storms and obstacles. They also got blessed with a daughter, Sana, in this tumultuous journey of theirs.
