Professional equestrian Nina Ghaibi, now known as Nina Aliassime after her marriage to Canadian tennis player Félix Auger-Aliassime, has built an impressive reputation in the world of show jumping. While many sports fans recognize her through her achievements in equestrian competitions and her high-profile marriage, her family background is equally fascinating. With Moroccan and Croatian roots, Nina grew up in a multicultural environment that helped shape both her personal values and sporting career.
Her parents played a significant role in introducing her to horses, encouraging international experiences, and supporting her development as a competitive athlete. Their influence continues to be reflected in her success both inside and outside the equestrian arena.
Family Background
Nina Ghaibi comes from a multicultural family that combines North African and European heritage.
Her father is Moroccan, while her mother is Croatian. Growing up with two distinct cultural traditions allowed Nina to experience different languages, customs, and lifestyles from an early age.
This diverse upbringing gave her an international outlook that later complemented her career as a professional equestrian competing across multiple countries.
Her Father
Nina Ghaibi’s father is Karim Ghaibi, an accomplished Moroccan equestrian athlete.
Karim has represented Morocco in numerous international show jumping competitions over the course of his career. His experience in the sport made horses a natural part of family life, giving Nina early exposure to equestrian training.
Recognizing her interest and potential, Karim introduced his daughter to horseback riding when she was very young. That early guidance laid the foundation for a career that would eventually see Nina compete internationally herself.
Beyond competition, Karim has also been involved with organizations promoting equine-assisted therapy, helping individuals with special needs experience the physical and emotional benefits of working with horses. His commitment to both sport and community service has been an important source of inspiration for Nina.
Her Mother
Nina’s mother is Croatian, adding another important cultural influence to her upbringing.
Although she has remained largely out of the public spotlight, her Croatian heritage has played a meaningful role in Nina’s identity. Through her mother’s family, Nina also holds Croatian citizenship, strengthening her connection to Europe.
Her maternal side is particularly well known in the sporting world because it includes Australian tennis player Ajla Tomljanović, making Nina and Ajla cousins.
This family connection means high-level sport has been part of Nina’s extended family for many years, with both women pursuing successful international athletic careers in different disciplines.
Growing Up
Thanks to her parents’ international backgrounds, Nina spent much of her childhood living in different countries.
Her family relocated several times throughout Europe and the United States, giving her the opportunity to adapt to new environments while developing a broad cultural perspective.
A significant portion of her youth was spent in Huntersville, North Carolina, an area known for its active equestrian community. Living there provided excellent training opportunities and allowed Nina to continue improving her riding skills.
Those experiences helped prepare her for the demands of international competition.
Love for Horses
Horses have been part of Nina’s life from the very beginning.
Growing up in an equestrian family meant riding was more than simply a hobby—it became a central part of her everyday life. Under the guidance of her father, she learned the discipline, patience, and responsibility required to compete successfully.
As she gained experience, Nina developed into a respected show jumper representing Morocco at international events, continuing the sporting tradition established by her father.
Sporting Family
Athletic success runs throughout Nina’s extended family.
Her father’s accomplishments in equestrian sport and her cousin Ajla Tomljanović’s achievements in professional tennis highlight a family culture built around dedication, perseverance, and high-level competition.
Being surrounded by successful athletes offered Nina valuable role models who understood the commitment required to perform on the international stage.
That environment encouraged her to pursue excellence in her own discipline.
International Identity
One of the most distinctive aspects of Nina Ghaibi’s background is her multicultural identity.
With Moroccan, Croatian, American, and European influences throughout her upbringing, she developed a global perspective that reflects the international nature of modern equestrian sport.
Traveling frequently for competitions became a natural extension of the internationally connected lifestyle she experienced while growing up.
Today, she proudly represents Morocco while maintaining strong ties to her Croatian heritage.
Family Influence
Nina has often benefited from the encouragement and support of her family throughout her sporting journey.
Her father’s coaching and experience in equestrian competition provided valuable technical knowledge, while her family’s willingness to support her ambitions helped create the confidence needed to compete internationally.
Their influence extends beyond riding, helping shape the professionalism, discipline, and determination that define her career.
Looking Ahead
As Nina Aliassime continues balancing professional equestrian competition with her public profile, the values instilled by her parents remain evident.
Her multicultural upbringing, international experience, and lifelong connection to horses continue to influence her journey both as an athlete and as a member of one of sport’s well-known couples.
Her family’s support remains an important part of her continued success.
Final Thoughts
Nina Ghaibi’s parents have played a central role in shaping her life and career. Her father, Karim Ghaibi, introduced her to horses and inspired her passion for show jumping through his own successful equestrian career representing Morocco. Her Croatian mother contributed to Nina’s multicultural identity while connecting her to a family with a strong sporting tradition, including tennis professional Ajla Tomljanović.
Raised across Europe and the United States, Nina developed the confidence and international perspective needed to succeed in elite equestrian competition. Today, her achievements reflect not only her own dedication but also the lasting influence of a family deeply connected to sport, culture, and opportunity.