Stefanos Tsitsipas has had one of the toughest phases of his career over the past two years. From a shocking second-round exit from Men’s Singles of Roland Garros 2025 to a public split from his father as coach, the Greek star credits his girlfriend, Paula Badosa, for supporting him during such a tough time.
In a recent interview, Tsitsipas highlighted how their relationship has taught him to “accept these phases in life.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas Had a Rollercoaster of a Journey With Paula Badosa
The relationship between Tsitsipas and Badosa hasn’t been very smooth. They started dating in June 2023 after meeting at the Italian Open, but announced their split in May 2024. Tsitsipas admitted it was his decision, given the pressure of the sport.
“I was feeling the pressure of the tour, of my work. It seemed like a mountain to combine these two,” he stated. However, a few weeks ahead of the French Open 2024, these two reunited as Badosa was Tsitsipas’ “source of support.”
“I’ve learned over the last couple of years how to let go and how to show my real emotions, how to have Paula by my side as a source of support” 💚 pic.twitter.com/aht5hA1hZc
— Tsitsidosa Updates (@OnlyTsitsidosa) June 7, 2025
The Spaniard’s influence has transformed Tsitsipas’ life, who struggled to express emotions. “I’ve learned, in the last couple of years, how to let go and how to show my real emotions. I have struggled sometimes showing my real emotions, that is a weakness of mine, and I’m trying harder and more to kind of unveil those emotions and let go of them,” the Greek player said during an interview.
“Paula has been teaching me to unveil those emotions,” he added. Their bond has deepened through facing challenges together, including Badosa’s own injury struggles.
The Recent Chaos in the Life of Stefanos Tsitsipas
In 2024, Tsitsipas split with his father, Apostolos, as coach after a heated argument at the Canadian Open. “I need a coach who listens to me,” he said, acknowledging that the decision had strained their father-son relationship. His ATP ranking plummeted to No. 20, its lowest since 2018.
A back injury worsened his situation, forcing his withdrawal from key tournaments. His lowest point came at Roland Garros 2025, where he suffered his earliest exit since 2018. The runner-up of the 2021 French Open hasn’t been able to make it past the quarter-finals in any tournament this season, apart from his surprise win in Dubai a few months ago.
Amidst all this chaos, Tsitsipas accepted “Currently, I’m going more through bad emotions. But I accept those things because they are natural phases of life. I’m more than happy that I have someone by my side (Paula Badosa) to help me with that.”
The journey of Tsitsipas reveals how emotional resilience shapes the success of athletes. With Badosa’s support, he’s been able to overcome all the setbacks. While his rankings are expected to drop further following the second-round defeat at Roland Garros, he is willing to embrace vulnerability.
