SYDNEY — Costeen Hatzi, the former girlfriend of Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, has broken her silence for the first time since their split, revealing the emotional toll their relationship took on her. In an exclusive interview, Hatzi candidly shared her perspective on their time together, stating, "I was doing everything—supporting him, managing his life, and trying to keep us afloat emotionally."
The couple, who dated for over a year before parting ways in late 2022, were often in the public eye, with Kyrgios frequently praising Hatzi for her unwavering support during his career highs and lows. However, behind the scenes, Hatzi admits the relationship was far from perfect. "There were moments I felt invisible, like my needs didn’t matter," she revealed.
The Pressure of Being Kyrgios' Partner
Hatzi described the challenges of dating a high-profile athlete like Kyrgios, whose fiery on-court persona often spilled into their private life. "Nick’s intensity was both his strength and his weakness. When he was focused, he was unstoppable, but the pressure he put on himself—and sometimes on me—was overwhelming."
She detailed how she took on multiple roles in their relationship, including:
- Acting as his emotional anchor during tournaments
- Managing his social media and public appearances
- Navigating the constant scrutiny from fans and media
The Breaking Point
Hatzi admitted the relationship reached a tipping point after Kyrgios’ 2022 Wimbledon final run, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. "That was supposed to be his moment, but instead, it became a turning point for us. The expectations, the stress—it changed everything."
She emphasized that while she admired Kyrgios’ talent, the relationship became unsustainable. "I loved him, but love wasn’t enough to fix the imbalance. I needed to prioritize myself."
Public vs. Private Struggles
Despite Kyrgios’ public declarations of gratitude toward Hatzi, she revealed that their private dynamic was far more complicated. "People saw the Instagram posts, but they didn’t see the nights I spent alone while he was consumed by tennis."
Life After the Split
Since their breakup, Hatzi has focused on rebuilding her independence. She has stepped away from the tennis world and is pursuing a career in interior design. "I lost myself in that relationship. Now, I’m rediscovering who I am without Nick."
Kyrgios, who has been open about his mental health struggles, has not publicly responded to Hatzi’s comments. However, sources close to the tennis star suggest he respects her decision to speak out. "Nick knows how much she sacrificed for him," an insider shared.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the relationship, Hatzi offered advice for partners of athletes: "Set boundaries early. It’s easy to get swept up in their world, but you have to protect your own identity."
She also expressed hope for Kyrgios’ future, both on and off the court. "I’ll always cheer for him. He’s an incredible player, and I believe he’ll find happiness—just like I am now."
The interview has sparked conversations about the unseen pressures faced by partners of elite athletes. Fans have praised Hatzi for her honesty, with many calling her account a "necessary perspective on the sacrifices made behind the scenes."
As for Kyrgios, he continues to compete sporadically while managing injuries. His 2024 season remains uncertain, but Hatzi’s revelations have added a new layer to the public’s understanding of the man behind the racket.
In closing, Hatzi emphasized that she has no regrets. "It was a chapter of my life that taught me resilience. Now, it’s time to write the next one."