Kate Upton is one of the most sought-after models in the world, which is one reason why she appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition for the second year in a row.
For Upton, her rise has been meteoric since debuting in the magazine two years ago and that is one reason why her love life is a news topic as well. According to USA Today, after being interviewed by FOX 2 Detroit on Thursday, Upton deflected about her "boyfriend Justin Verlander" and if "there are any plans for any nuptials.
Upton responded saying that she was single for the most romantic day of the year. "Actually, I'm single right now," she said, "so I spent my [Valentine's Day] in Melbourne, Fla."
The relationship has been rumored about for months since the two appeared in a commercial together and Upton was spotted at a Tigers game where Verlander was pitching.
His father didn't help the matter either back in October when he said that he "heard he has been on dates with a Sports Illustrated girl," and added that the Tigers' ace is "a good looking man, too."
Verlander Tweeted on Thursday: "Happy Valentine's Day ladies."
There were also reports in the NY Post that the two shared a vacation over new years in the Caribbean in St. Thomas. If the two were together it would represent two figures that are at the top of their respective fields. Upton has become one of the biggest super models in the world, while Verlander is considered to be one of the top pitchers in baseball after winning the MVP and Cy Young award two seasons ago.
Upton said in a phone conference interview with reporters that she has been so busy that she hasn't had time to hear or read about the response to her newest SI cover from Antarctica.
"I've been so busy running around," Upton, who is 20, said in a conference call with reporters Thursday. "I haven't paid attention to the reaction."
The shoot went down in one of the coldest climates in the world and was a big change for the native Floridian, who shot near an active volcano while earing barely anything at all.
"It was one of the most difficult I've been on," she said
Upton appeared with many models and athletes, including Katherine Webb, the girlfriend of Alabama QB AJ McCarron as well as athletes Michelle Jenneke and Alana Blanchard.
Upton is only the fifth model to appear on two straight covers and the issue is a landmark one as it is the 50th edition of the swimsuit issue.
CLICK HERE for photos of the issue and of Upton
