Paula Badosa’s road to comeback has been full of thorns, but aiding her support, Stefanos Tsitsipas remained consistent in cheering her up. The Spaniard, merely a year after sustaining a career-threatening injury, returned to the tour with fabulous results. And now, she is set to take part in the Abu Dhabi Open. She capped the 2024 season with noteworthy improvement but her struggles of maintaining a healthy romantic relationship didn’t reach fans’ ears until today.
The Spanish star’s season-opening act at the Australian Open didn’t go unnoticed. Her impressive form helped her reach the semifinals. With just one match away from putting her hands on her maiden Slam title, Badosa gave her best against ‘best friend’ Aryna Sabalenka but unfortunately fell short. Before gearing up for her upcoming adventures on the tour, the Spaniard featured on the ‘Tennis Insider Club’ podcast, hosted by fellow player Caroline Garcia. During this conversation, Badosa opened up about how she navigated the demanding tour-level calendar last year and found solace and support in her relationship with Greek sensation Tsitsipas.
“I really needed time to refresh my mind and think about why I wanted to keep playing tennis. During the year and the season when it was so intense, I couldn’t think, I couldn’t walk. We were just putting tape on what was happening,” Badosa shared on the podcast. She recognized the need to enjoy time together, emphasizing, “Sometimes being a couple on tour isn’t really being a couple at all.”
Badosa and Tsitsipas began dating in June 2023, and since then, the duo has consistently helped each other grow. They even clinched a mixed doubles win as part of the Mixed Madness exhibition showdown at the US Open last year, earning them $250,000. Tsitsipas reflected on his girlfriend's recovery from injury, stating it had been “really impressive and deserved.” He expressed how Badosa’s return to the top 10 gave him “a lot of motivation.”
Meanwhile, Tsitsipas was inspired by Badosa's incredible perseverance. “If she can do it, why can't I?” he pondered, stating how he learned “a lot from this process of how to get to a Grand Slam semi-final.” Tsitsipas noticed not only Badosa’s successful performances but also recognized the potential for personal growth from their conversations during her Australian Open run. “We had serious discussions during her run. I was being strict with her as I didn't want to be too soft. I feel there's so much potential in her game,” he articulated.
Their professional journeys were undoubtedly interwoven, as both faced their share of challenges. Badosa dealt with significant mental health struggles reflected on her experiences, being vocal about the intense pressures and the expectations faced by professional athletes. Reflecting on this, she stated, “There’s one moment when it becomes pressure, responsibility, and so many expectations; it’s really tough to handle.”
Badosa also faced controversy earlier due to a misunderstanding after her China Open campaign last year, leading to mixed reactions from fans. Nevertheless, her fortitude shows resilience, and her relationship with Tsitsipas provides both grounding and encouragement. “It pushes me on; I feel she has so much respect for what I have to say,” Tsitsipas affirmed, hoping her success will motivate him during the Rotterdam Open.
Stepping back onto the court after her grueling two-week schedule at the Australian Open, Badosa is taking her next steps with more confidence, supported by Tsitsipas and his dedication to helping her maximize her potential. Tsitsipas himself looks poised for success following his own victories, expressing gratitude for their relationship and the ability to inspire each other onward.
This partnership not only serves on and off the court but highlights how love can act as both encouragement and strength through professional hardships. Their dynamic partnership and mutual respect resonate well beyond tennis, setting the stage for their brighter futures.