Fairy-tale ending for Czech Olympics doubles pair sparks calls for 'Hollywood movie'

Czech tennis players Kateřina Siniaková and Tomáš Macháč have caused a social media frenzy after winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and sharing a kiss during the celebrations. This is despite them ending their four-year relationship prior to the start of the Olympics and deciding to continue playing together regardless.

The duo defeated China's Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen in a tight mixed doubles final on Friday, securing Czechia’s first gold medal of the Olympics. Siniaková and Macháč's victory comes after Siniaková confirmed their breakup last month, telling journalists it was a “private matter.” She then told the media, when asked if they would even play together in Paris: “Of course we will play, we are professionals after all."

During the medal ceremony, 28-year-old Siniaková and Macháč, aged 23, hugged and kissed, leading to a reporter asking about their relationship status in English at a press conference. In response, Siniaková stated: “That’s our personal life, so you don’t need to know that.” Macháč added, jokingly: “This is top secret. We like [it] when you are confused," as the Associated Press reported.

Despite their unknown relationship status, international fans online are calling for a Hollywood-esque movie to be made about their love story. One fan wrote”: "Netflix or Hallmark needs to make a film about their story!" referencing the 2024 sports drama film Challengers, that also centers on tennis. 

"We are such professionals that we decided to break up before the tournament so that we could fully concentrate on winning a medal,” joked Macháč. At the press conference after her victory, Siniaková said: “I am really proud that we fought together and helped each other.”

“Communication is definitely very important in our team. It helps that we were there for each other, and it was part of the fact that we played well,” Siniaková added. "We have excellent communication between us," added Macháč.

Speaking of the victory, Siniaková took to social media to thank fans for their support, writing: “That was unreal. Thanks everyone for supporting us – we are so happy with the result we have achieved.”