Material from colleagues atbTV Sportregarding the alleged relationship between Simeon Nikolov and Serbian national player Aleksandra Uzelac made us revisit our own photo archive from the Volleyball Nations League in Belgrade.
And there we found an interesting shot –Aleksandra Uzelac in the company of Simeon Nikolov's mother, Mayaduring the Bulgaria – Czech Republic match.
The photo was taken two days after the Serbia – Bulgaria match, where Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov were present at "Arena Belgrade".
This, of course, does not prove that Moni and Aleksandra are a couple. But it definitely adds another curious clue to the rumors about the two.
IT ALL STARTED WITH SERBIA – BULGARIA
In early July, Bulgaria began the third week of the Women's Volleyball Nations League with a match against host Serbia.
Aleksandar and Simeon Nikolov appeared in the stands.
Their presence had a completely natural explanation – two Bulgarian national players came to support Bulgaria.
However, it was around this match that the shots, subsequently cited by bTV Sport, appeared, giving rise to rumors about Moni and Uzelac. In one of them, Simeon is photographed from behind, and the photo was published on Instagram.
During the match itself, Uzelac, naturally, was on the court with the Serbian team.
Two days later, however, Bulgaria played against the Czech Republic. It is from this match that our shot of the Serbian national player and Maya Nikolova comes.
We do not know since when and under what circumstances the two know each other, and therefore the photo cannot be presented as confirmation of a relationship.
But the bTV Sport publication definitely made us look at this shot differently.
DEJA VU WITH ALEX AND HENA
The story is reminiscent of the beginning of the relationship between Aleksandar Nikolov and Hena Kurtagic.
As early as December, Alex was spotted in the stands in Milan during the women's match Milan – Conegliano.
Alex was not hiding. On the contrary, he was taking pictures with fans.
Later, the family confirmed to us that Alex had ended his previous relationship and was with Hena Kurtagic.
Viewed from a distance, it becomes clear why he preferred discretion then. Not because of his presence itself – it's hard to go unnoticed when you're taking pictures with fans – but because of the reason he was at that match.
THIS TIME THE "ALIBI" IS IRONCLAD
In Belgrade, the situation is different.
Alex is at a Bulgaria match and has the most natural possible reason to be in the hall – to support our national team.
This time, his brother Moni is also with him.
However, after the visit, it was no longer Alex, but Simeon, who found himself at the center of love rumors. We already knew about Alex.
And the appearance of Aleksandra Uzelac in the company of Maya Nikolova at Bulgaria's next match makes the story even more curious.
THE BULGARIAN-SERBIAN CONNECTION
In fact, Bulgarian-Serbian volleyball love stories do not begin with the Nikolov brothers.
Former Bulgaria captain Elitsa Vasileva-Atanasijevic "broke the ice" after marrying former Serbian international Aleksandar Atanasijevic.
Then came the couple Aleksandar Nikolov – Hena Kurtagic.
And now rumors link Moni with another Serbian national player – Aleksandra Uzelac.
For the latter two, for now, we must draw a clear line – there is no official confirmation of a relationship.
But the bTV Sport material made us pull out an archive photo from Belgrade, which certainly adds an interesting touch to the story.
Is this another Bulgarian-Serbian volleyball love story?
Only Moni and Aleksandra can say that now.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov and INSTAGRAM
