"Everything has to be a bit about me in the relationship" - Zizou Bergs uncovers struggles of dating a tennis pro and his girlfriend Jirth's support

Belgian player Zizou Bergs recently opened up about the struggles of dating a tennis pro. The 25-year-old also shared how his girlfriend, Jirth Maesen, has been supportive of his career.

Bergs is having a noteworthy 2024 campaign. He successfully defended his Challenger-level title in Tallahassee and reached the final in Sarasota. At the French Open, Zizou Bergs produced his career-best Grand Slam result by making the third round. He also reached a career-high ranking of World No. 72 in September.

Amid his on-court success, the Belgian tennis player revealed how he balances his personal and professional life.

"I'm very well aware that it's not easy (to date a tennis player). Everything has to be a little bit about me in the relationship," the 25-year-old said in an exclusive with CLAY, hinting at the peripatetic lifestyle. "And a woman has to understand."

About his girlfriend Jirth’s support, Zizou Bergs said:

"I'm very blessed with my girlfriend, who is fully involved with what we're doing. She's fully behind it as well. She also really wants to see us win.

"For example, the other day I was between Halle or Queens. I didn’t know if I was going to play and where, so at the very last minute I said ‘f*ck, we need to go to the airport right now’. She left everything behind. She went with us to the airport. She has to make sure that what she's doing is enough adaptable towards us."

Interestingly, Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend Morgan Riddle had made a similar revelation. Pointing at the difference between dating a tennis player versus other athletes, Riddle, a social media influencer, had noted that she has to “live in a suitcase.”