Source: NURPHOTO/Kabir Jhangiani
[Saba Sports News] Media reports have revealed
that the Japanese mixed doubles pair, Watanabe Yuta and Higashino Arisa, who
hold the second rank in the world, have been partners since their high school
days and have developed a deep understanding over the course of more than ten
years. Their relationship has remained so harmonious that they have never had a
quarrel or even entertained the thought of not wanting to see each other
anymore. Their bond is so strong that their parents also share a harmonious
relationship. It turns out that the two were senior students at the same high
school. On days without matches, they sit on the sidelines and cheer for their
teammates. In fact, about a year ago, Watanabe Yudai cleverly responded to a
romance scandal between the two in an interview with the Japanese magazine
“Shueisha ONLINE.” Watanabe Yudai mentioned that they are partners
but did not rule out the possibility of becoming a couple in the future. He
acknowledged their mutual fondness for each other but felt that dating at the
present moment might affect their performance in matches. Some fans have
speculated that if they were to announce their retirement tomorrow, they would
likely make their relationship official. It is worth noting that the mixed
doubles pair of Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino won the bronze medal at the
2021 Tokyo Olympics. Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, both players
have expressed their aspiration to win gold medals.