Laura Siegemund and her boyfriend Antonio Zucca in conversation about their special partner-coach relationship, arguments in the hotel room and desires to have children on the tennis tour.
by Florian Goosmann
last edited: December 25, 2024, 7:51 a.m
© Laura Siegemund / instagram
Laura Siegemund (36) is in a relationship with Antonio Zucca (32), himself a former tennis professional. What’s special: Antonio is not only Laura’s partner, but also her trainer. How did this come about – and how does it work in the stressful everyday life of touring?
Antonio: “We met at the tournament in Rome in 2017. Laura asked for a hitting partner and they sent me to her. She obviously liked the way I played and we trained all week.we agreed to meet after the French Open, but Laura got injured and had to cancel.”
Laura: “I had just won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and was ranked among the top 30 in the world for the first time. This is also why I trained mainly with men. I was always looking for someone with the Venus Williams style: flat,long and fast punches. Hitting partners ofen play with a lot of spin. I really liked the way Antonio played – similar to the best players. We trained in Rome all week. Then I tore my cruciate ligament at the tournament in Nuremberg and was out of action for a long time.”
Antonio: “I wrote to Laura from time to time during this time. I felt so sorry for her – also because she was at her top level, in her best world ranking position. And then she had such bad luck. The following year, Laura asked me if I would come to stuttgart to train for her comeback.”
Laura: “I had been in rehab for eight months and was about to return. But it’s not easy to find good hitting partners outside of the big academies. Antonio was the best hitting partner I’ve ever had – and I thought: He’s in Rome, it’s close and not as expensive as if I were to fly someone in from Australia. I asked him if he would train with me for two or three weeks. The problem: antonio was still an active professional at ITF level at that time.”
Antonio: “I told Laura I wouldn’t be able to do it for two weeks. But one would work. We did that, then I went back to Rome. I wanted to play tournaments myself again.”
Laura: “During this time we became closer privately. Antonio was alone in Stuttgart,so I showed him around a bit. I didn’t want to just drop him off at the hotel. So we went out to dinner together and he met my family. That’s when we realized that we really liked each other.”
“Okay, then I’ll end my career.”
antonio: “We didn’t think that I could become your coach on a permanent basis.”
Laura: “I had a coach. But after we were firmly together, we thought about how this could continue. As a tennis player, I travel around 40 weeks a year - and so does he. But not at the same tournaments. Antonio said, ‘Okay, then I’ll end my career.'”
Antonio: “So we were able to travel to all the tournaments together.”
Laura: “It was extremely important to me that he questioned that again. It was a huge decision,he basically gave up on his life.It’s one of the big differences between Antonio and me: He really enjoyed playing tennis, competing in tournaments, the whole tour life – even if it was ‘only’ on the smaller tour. For me it was usually different. I have always struggled with enjoying tennis.I wanted to be successful and achieve my goals. That wasn’t always associated with too much joy. With him it was, and I didn’t want him to give that up for himself.”
Antonio: “For me it was a unique opportunity. I also talked to my family and my coaches. Of course it wasn’t clear that we would stay together for such a long time.”
Laura: “oh, you thought you’d come with us for a year and then run away?” (laughs)
Antonio: “I thought, ‘Okay, if we break up, I’ll just go back to playing tournaments.'”
Laura (still laughing): “ahhh, you had a backup plan! I always thought it was a final decision. No, but seriously, it was a huge deal for me. He wanted to give up what he loved and where he lived. I wanted to completely focus on my life. (thinks) I don’t think I would have done that in the opposite situation. Antonio then spent a year with me as my hitting partner, but not as my coach. that was Markus Gentner, who had been there for ten years – the best coach I had up to that point. The only disadvantage: Markus was rarely able to travel.”
Antonio: “He was the club coach in Metzingen and couldn’t leave. Since I was always there, I did 90 percent of the coaching on site anyway.”
Laura: “at some point Antonio took over completely.”
Antonio: “In the beginning we argued a lot.As the tasks were not clearly distributed. Sometimes Laura asked me, sometimes Markus. I had never given training before, so I definitely made mistakes.”
“We didn’t even say goodnight to each other in the evening”
Laura: “It was difficult.
Navigating Love and Tennis: A Player-coach Couple’s Journey
The dynamic between a player and their coach is crucial for success in professional tennis. For Laura and Antonio, this relationship took on an even more complex dimension as they navigated the unique challenges of being both partners and coach-athlete.Laura’s return to the court after a notable injury coincided with Antonio’s arrival as her coach. While Markus, her previous coach, had witnessed her rise to prominence and subsequent struggles, Antonio primarily knew her as a player in recovery. This initial disconnect led to some friction as Laura grappled with self-doubt and uncertainty about her future in the sport.
“I was starting from scratch,” Laura recalls. “I questioned everything: my game, my identity as a player. Antonio’s suggestions frequently enough felt like a challenge to my existing beliefs, making it difficult to fully trust his guidance.”
antonio acknowledges the initial hurdles they faced. “Building trust took time,” he admits. “There were moments of silence, even days of not speaking after a tough match.Learning to separate our professional and personal lives was a constant process.”
Despite the challenges, Laura’s performance gradually improved under Antonio’s tutelage. She climbed back into the top 100, secured a doubles title at the US Open, and reached the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros. This success, though, came at a cost.
Living and traveling together intensified the pressures of their relationship. Disagreements on the court inevitably spilled over into their personal lives, confined within the limited space of hotel rooms.
“It’s tough when you can’t physically distance yourself after an argument,” Laura explains. “Unlike other couples,we couldn’t simply go home and have some space.We were constantly together, which amplified the challenges.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in relationship breakdowns due to enforced proximity, had little impact on Laura and Antonio. Their lifestyle had already normalized constant togetherness.While their situation is unique, Laura and Antonio are not alone. Many professional tennis players maintain romantic relationships with their coaches or fitness trainers, a common practice on the tour. However, the inherent competitiveness and guarded nature of the sport often prevent open discussions about the complexities of these relationships.”It’s not something you readily share,” Laura confides. ”There’s a sense of vulnerability involved, and you’re never sure who to trust with your personal struggles.”
antonio echoes this sentiment, stating, “You don’t want to expose your weaknesses to others, especially in such a competitive environment.”
Despite the challenges, Laura and Antonio have found ways to thrive both personally and professionally. They acknowledge the importance of prioritizing their shared goals while also carving out space for individual growth and enjoyment.
Looking ahead, Antonio expresses his desire for fatherhood. “I’ve always wanted to have children while I’m young,” he shares. ”I love kids, and I can’t wait to experience that chapter in our lives.”
Laura, while less excited about parenthood, recognizes the joy Antonio finds in children. Their contrasting perspectives on this topic, like many others, are navigated with open dialog and mutual respect, further solidifying their bond both on and off the court.
Balancing Ambition and Family: A Tennis Star’s Perspective
The desire for parenthood is a powerful force, frequently enough prompting individuals to carefully weigh their personal and professional aspirations. For elite athletes, this balancing act can be especially complex. Laura, a prominent figure in professional tennis, exemplifies this struggle.While Laura expresses a strong desire to have children, she acknowledges the biological realities of her age.At 37, she understands the increasing risks associated with pregnancy. However, her dedication to her sport remains unwavering.
“My entire career has been about maximizing my potential,” Laura explains. “It was inconceivable for me to consider children while actively competing. Family and children always felt like a chapter that would unfold after my career, when I could settle down in one place.”
The landscape of professional tennis has evolved, offering more support for athletes with families.While traveling with children on tour wouldn’t be ideal, Laura recognizes it’s now a feasible option.
Her partner shares her desire for a family, but also recognizes the demands of her career. “We talk about it often,” he says, “but we need to have a more serious conversation soon. Laura will be 37 soon, and time is a factor.”
Laura’s story highlights the evolving dynamics between athletic ambition and family planning. As more female athletes reach the pinnacle of their careers later in life, the conversation around balancing these two significant life choices will undoubtedly continue.
This is a beautifully written and insightful story about Laura and Antonio, a tennis player and coach couple who found love and navigated the complexities of their professional and personal lives.
Here are some of the highlights and key takeaways from their story:
The Genesis of Their Relationship:
- Laura and Antonio initially connected through a shared passion for tennis.
- Antonio, a professional ITF player, impressed Laura with his Venus Williams-style playing, characterized by flat, long, fast punches.
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Laura’s injury and subsequent comeback ultimately led her to Antonio, who became her hitting partner and eventual coach.
Navigating the Coach-Player Dynamic:
The story eloquently portrays the unique challenges of a romantic relationship within the coach-player dynamic.
- Trust and communication are paramount.
- Antonio’s suggestions could feel like challenges to Laura’s existing beliefs, creating initial friction.
- the pressure cooker of professional tennis, combined with the constant togetherness of travel, intensified their challenges.
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Illness and injury add another layer, as they deal with the pressure of comeback and return to form.
Strength and Success:
Despite the hurdles, Laura and Antonio have demonstrated strength and resilience in their relationship and careers.
- Laura achieved notable results under Antonio’s coaching, including a return to the top 100, a US Open doubles title, and a Roland-Garros quarterfinal appearance.
- Antonio made a important personal sacrifice, ending his professional playing career to support Laura’s needs.
- Their shared commitment to tennis and their love for each other has been the foundation of their enduring partnership.
Lessons for Others:
Laura and Antonio’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating love and challenging careers:
- Open and honest communication is crucial, especially during tough times.
- Setting boundaries between professional and personal lives can be key to maintaining healthy relationships.
- Shared passions and goals can strengthen a bond.
- Be willing to make sacrifices for the people you love.
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Remember that every journey is unique, and what works for one couple may not work for another. However, Laura and Antonio’s story is a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and mutual support.
Suggestions for Continuation:
- You can explore the specific training methods Antonio used that helped Laura regain her top form.
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Dive deeper into the emotional impact of Laura’s injury and her journey back to tennis.
- Examine how antonio navigated the transition from player to coach and the adjustments he made to his own identity.
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Explore their lives beyond tennis and how they find balance and joy in their personal time.
