Nelly Korda: “When I first met Andreas Athanasiou, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think too much of it.”
Those were the words that sent shockwaves through both the golf and hockey worlds when Nelly Korda finally opened up about her relationship with NHL player Andreas Athanasiou — a pairing that, to many, seemed unexpected, yet now feels destined.
The golf superstar, known for her calm demeanor and razor-sharp focus, sat down for an intimate conversation about love, balance, and rediscovering joy beyond competition. Her words painted a portrait of vulnerability — one that reveals the woman behind the trophies and global acclaim.
A Meeting Neither Expected
It was at a charity sports gala in Los Angeles that their paths first crossed. Nelly, fresh off another LPGA victory, was there to represent women’s golf. Andreas, the high-speed forward known for his explosive plays on the ice, attended on behalf of a youth hockey foundation.
“I was honestly just there for the event,” Nelly recalled with a laugh. “I wasn’t looking to meet anyone. I remember him walking up to me and saying something about golf being harder than hockey — and I rolled my eyes. That’s literally how it started.”
Andreas, on his end, later admitted that he had no idea he was talking to one of the best golfers in the world. “I just thought she was this really grounded, funny person. There was this calmness about her that felt different from what I was used to,” he shared in a later interview.
Two Worlds, One Connection
Their sports couldn’t be more different — one played under quiet concentration and the other amid the roar of arenas. Yet, their bond grew through mutual understanding of the pressures of elite athletics.
“In golf, everything rests on you,” Nelly explained. “It’s individual, it’s mental. In hockey, it’s all about rhythm and teamwork. But in both, there’s sacrifice — there’s isolation, and there’s expectation. Andreas understood that immediately.”
That shared empathy became their foundation. While Nelly traveled globally for tournaments, Andreas’ hockey schedule often had him on the road. But instead of creating distance, it fostered appreciation.
“When you date someone who lives the same kind of lifestyle — who understands early mornings, recovery sessions, and that kind of pressure — it makes the quiet moments mean more,” she said.
Falling in Rhythm
The turning point came in the offseason of 2023. Nelly was recovering from a lingering back injury, sidelined for the first time in her professional career. “I was frustrated. I didn’t feel like myself,” she confessed. “And he was just… there. Not trying to fix it, not telling me to be positive. Just being there.”
Andreas, known among teammates for his energy and playfulness, became her anchor. “He brought laughter back into my days,” she smiled. “He’d show up at the driving range and try to outdrive me — he never did, by the way — but that effort, that lightness, helped me heal mentally.”
It was during that period that Nelly realized how much he meant to her. “I think it’s when life slows down that you see who’s really standing next to you,” she said quietly. “For me, that was him.”
Love Beyond the Spotlight
Despite both being in the public eye, the couple has managed to keep their relationship relatively private. Fans caught glimpses — Andreas in the crowd at LPGA events, or Nelly attending a hockey game — but they never sought attention.
“I’ve learned that the best parts of life don’t need to be posted,” Nelly said. “What we have isn’t about cameras or social media. It’s about friendship first. That’s what keeps us grounded.”
Andreas echoed that sentiment in a rare interview with The Players’ Tribune, where he described Nelly as “the calm to his chaos.” He added, “She makes me want to slow down. When you’re around her, everything feels intentional. That’s a rare thing.”
A Shared Drive for Greatness
Beyond romance, both athletes push each other to excel. Nelly admits that seeing Andreas’ relentless work ethic has deepened her own commitment. “He has this fire — even when things don’t go his way. It reminds me why I started playing in the first place.”
Andreas, in turn, draws inspiration from her consistency. “What blows me away is how she handles pressure. Whether she’s ranked number one or coming off a tough round, she stays the same person,” he said. “That’s leadership. That’s strength.”
Together, they have built a quiet support system — one that thrives not in luxury or spotlight, but in shared discipline.
Private Promises, Public Grace
Rumors swirl that the two may soon take their relationship to the next level, but for now, Nelly insists they’re simply enjoying the present. “We both have big dreams in our sports, and we’re giving each other space to chase them,” she said. “That’s love too — not holding someone back, but lifting them forward.”
Still, she admits that the thought of the future isn’t far from her mind. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” she smiled, “it’s that the best things in life aren’t planned. They happen when you’re busy doing what you love.”
The Melody That Found Her
In her signature calm tone, Nelly summed it up beautifully:
“When I first met Andreas, I’ll be honest — I didn’t think too much of it. He wasn’t what I expected. But that’s the beauty of life. You think you know your rhythm, and then someone comes along and changes the melody. Now, I can’t imagine the music without him.”
And just like that — not with grand gestures, but with quiet sincerity — Nelly Korda reminded the world that even in the pursuit of greatness, love can find its way through the noise.
Because for two athletes who have mastered their respective games, the most meaningful victory might not be on the leaderboard or the scoreboard — but in finding each other.
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