The world of professional golf was rocked recently when Nelly Korda, the reigning queen of the LPGA Tour, revealed that her long-term relationship with NHL star Andreas Athanasiou had come to an end. The news, which surfaced after Korda appeared alone at the Solheim Cup red carpet event, has left fans stunned and heartbroken, as the couple had been a beloved fixture in the sports world since they went public in 2019. Behind Korda’s glittering career, marked by an Olympic gold medal, two major championships, and over $14 million in earnings, lies a personal story of quiet pain that has now captured the public’s attention.

Korda and Athanasiou, a center for the Chicago Blackhawks, were first linked in 2019 when they shared a now-deleted Thanksgiving selfie on Instagram. Their relationship, though kept largely private, was a source of admiration for fans who saw them as a power couple balancing demanding athletic careers. They supported each other’s successes, with Athanasiou attending Korda’s tournaments, including her 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic victory, where they were photographed kissing and posing with her trophy. Korda reciprocated, notably wearing a Blackhawks jersey at the 2022 CP Women’s Open to cheer on Athanasiou’s team. These moments painted a picture of mutual devotion, making the news of their split all the more shocking.

Speculation about their breakup began when Athanasiou was noticeably absent from the Solheim Cup gala, where other players were accompanied by partners or family. Korda, dressed in a striking black gown, appeared solo, prompting fans to question the status of her relationship. Social media buzzed with concern, with some noting that Korda no longer follows Athanasiou on Instagram, and his private account offers little insight. While neither has publicly confirmed the split, the lack of their usual subtle gestures of support—like Korda’s FaceTime moment with Athanasiou during the 2021 Gainbridge LPGA—has fueled rumors that their romance has ended.
The emotional toll of the breakup is palpable, especially for Korda, who has spoken about the importance of family and close relationships in grounding her amidst her high-profile career. Fans have taken to social media to express their sadness, with one writing, “Chin up, Nelly! We’re proud of you!” Despite the personal heartache, Korda’s professional focus remains unshaken. She continues to dominate the LPGA Tour, holding the No. 1 ranking and recently adding to her 15 career wins. Her resilience on the course suggests she is channeling her energy into her game, even as she navigates this personal challenge.
For Athanasiou, whose NHL season with the Blackhawks is ongoing, the split comes at a time when he is working to rebound from an injury-plagued year. The couple’s private nature means details of their breakup remain scarce, but their shared history of supporting each other’s careers makes this loss poignant. As Korda prepares for her next tournaments, including a potential Olympic title defense, fans are left hoping she finds peace off the course, even as she continues to shine on it.