In surprising news from the sporting world, Australian tennis player Arina Rodionova and former AFL player Ty Vickery have announced their divorce after nine years of marriage. The couple shared their decision in a light-hearted joint video posted on Instagram, where they emphasized their enduring friendship throughout the process.
Sharing the News
Rodionova, who is currently 35 years old, and Vickery, who is 34, revealed that they had been separated for the past year before making their split public. The announcement was made on a Wednesday, with the couple maintaining an upbeat and friendly tone in their video, which featured a humorous moment involving a banana, lightening the mood around what can often be a heavy topic.
Success in Sports
Despite the personal changes, both Rodionova and Vickery continue to thrive in their sporting careers. Rodionova recently participated in the Australian Open qualifying rounds, showing her dedication to tennis. She achieved her career-high ranking of No. 97 in February 2024, making history as the oldest woman to debut in the top 100 rankings.
Life After Marriage
After the announcement, Rodionova posted a photo on Instagram from a flight departing Sydney, perhaps symbolizing her new beginnings. While they may be moving on from their marital relationship, both players highlighted their mutual respect and well wishes for one another’s futures.
Vickery’s Coaching Career
Ty Vickery also has a flourishing career after his time as an AFL player, where he played 119 games for Richmond and one season with Hawthorn. Recently, he has found success as a coach, leading the Oakleigh Chargers to consecutive premiership titles in the junior Talent League. His commitment to youth sports adds another layer to his career post-football.
What’s Next for Arina?
In addition to her tennis pursuits, Rodionova has been vocal about her experiences and the challenges she has faced throughout her career, even previously criticizing Tennis Australia in early 2024. Despite these hurdles, she remains a formidable presence on the court, and fans eagerly anticipate her next moves in the tennis world.
Key Moments in Their Relationship
- Married in 2015, just after Rodionova’s semi-final win in an Australian Open wildcard qualifier.
- Shared a year-long separation before announcing their divorce.
- Rodionova reached a career-high ranking in February 2024, making history as the oldest woman to debut in the top 100.
- Vickery transitioned from player to coach, achieving success with the Oakleigh Chargers.
- Emphasized maintaining a positive relationship despite their divorce.
Rodionova and Vickery’s light-hearted announcement illustrates how sports figures can navigate personal changes with grace, bringing connection and relatability to their fans.