In 2022, after securing a first-round victory at the Birmingham Classic, Harriet Dart felt a sense of relief—not just for advancing in her career, but also for having someone by her side to help her through tough times and bring her peace. That someone is her boyfriend, Stephen Falck.
As the British No. 2 prepares to face fellow Brit Katie Boulter in the second round at Wimbledon, it’s expected that Stephen Falck will be there, supporting her from the box.
In addition to being her partner, the Norwegian is also a model and software engineer, reportedly handling agent duties as well. Falck has worked with well-known fashion brands like Calvin Klein, H&M, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Dart and Falck reportedly began dating in June 2022, following the end of a toxic relationship she had previously endured.
Reflecting on her past during the Birmingham Classic two years ago, Dart said, “I went through a bad relationship, it was very toxic, and I do believe, if you’re happier off the court, you’re happier on the court.”
She attributed her current happiness to her relationship with Falck, saying, “I’m a lot happier now, I have a nice boyfriend now, which is nice. I definitely feel like I belong a lot more.”
The couple shares a mutual love for tennis, with Falck also taking a keen interest in the sport at which Dart excels. Given that the couple lives close to the All England Club with Harriet’s sister, their participation in Wimbledon was a natural fit.
Harriet Dart is deeply in love with her “nice (new) boyfriend”! Not a newcomer to the tour, Dart has reached Wimbledon’s second round after four years and credits her personal life for much of her success.
Believing that “if you’re happier off the court, you’re happier on the court,” Dart has indirectly thanked her boyfriend “for sticking” with her “through some dark times.”
Dart and her Norwegian model boyfriend confirmed their relationship on Instagram when the British No. 2 expressed gratitude to Falck for helping her refocus on her professional goals after a difficult past relationship.
“I went through a really bad personal time that was not a fun time in my life last year, and I really had to work on a lot of things,” she said.
Referring to her boyfriend as a “delightful sweetheart,” Dart added, “It’s like any job—if you bring things from home into the workplace, it’s very challenging… I do believe if you’re happier off the court, you’re happier on the court.”
Dart often shares moments from her vacations with Falck on Instagram, where her feed is filled with travel shots and tennis tournaments. A particularly sweet selfie from their trip to Portugal last year stands out among the rest.
The British tennis player also highlighted her boyfriend’s love for fitness by sharing photos of Falck working out.
The couple enjoyed a beautiful vacation, capturing stunning scenery and a delightful breakfast. Although Dart didn’t specify the location, the visuals led many to speculate it might be Norway.
As Dart says, Falck’s presence in her life has significantly contributed to her improvement.
Fueling her dream of becoming the British No. 1 WTA star, Dart delivered an outstanding performance at the 2022 US Open, where she defeated Daria Kasatkina 7-6, 1-6, 6-3 in the first round.
She even came close to displacing Emma Raducanu as the British No. 1 that year.
While her boyfriend’s support has been instrumental in her progress, it was Harriet Dart’s parents who introduced her to tennis.
She mentioned that her parents had a special connection to her childhood tennis club, further deepening her bond with the sport.
The LTA shared an old YouTube video where Dart discussed how her parents met at a tennis club, where she began her journey with the sport at age 7.
Reflecting on her “special” connection with tennis, Dart said, “I played at the Cumberland Lawn Tennis Club, which is my local club, and actually my parents met there, so it’s quite a special place I think.”
In 2015, Dart noted her mother’s significant influence in her decision to pursue tennis professionally. “My parents are members of a racquet club, so I was always around tennis courts.
My mum plays tennis, and one day I just asked if I could join in.” Born to Nick Dart, a surveyor, and Susie Dart, a teacher, Harriet’s parents’ love for tennis has wonderfully complemented their daughter’s passion for the sport.
And to think, Harriet Dart might have been a runner training for the Paris Olympics today! A natural athlete, her love for tennis has kept a racquet in her hand and her feet firmly planted on the 2,808-square-foot court.