Stefanos Tsitsipas added a personal touch to a hard-fought opening win at the 2026 Madrid Open, embracing girlfriend Kristen Thoms moments after sealing victory. The Greek star, competing in the Spanish capital for the eighth time, battled through a tense three-set match before cameras captured the couple sharing a warm hug in the player’s area.
Inside Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Relationship With Kristen Thoms and Her Tennis Roots
Tsitsipas’ relationship with Thoms dates back to mid-2025, shortly after his widely followed breakup with Paula Badosa. The pair were first seen together in Athens in September that year, though they kept things largely private until January 2026, when Tsitsipas publicly acknowledged the relationship through a vlog and photos from a trip to Namibia.
Thoms, 29, brings her own tennis background, having competed at the collegiate level for Iowa and Florida Atlantic University before transitioning into modeling and social media. Since then, she has been a consistent presence in his player box, including appearances at tournaments such as the Miami Open, signaling steady support during a period of recalibration in Tsitsipas’ career and personal life.
On the court, Tsitsipas had to work for every inch before earning the moment that followed. Facing lucky loser Patrick Kypson, the former World No. 3 dropped the opening set 3-6 and found himself under pressure throughout. He steadied in the second set, edging a tight tiebreak 7-6(6), and carried that resilience into the decider, where another narrow tiebreak, 7-6(4), sealed the win.
As he walked off the court, the emotional release was immediate. A clip surfaced on social media, showing the Greek greeting Thoms with a long embrace in the players’ area.
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How Has Tsitsipas Handled Life and Relationships After Parting Ways With Paula Badosa?
Tsitsipas and fellow tennis player Badosa first linked up in May 2023. The former couple, famously known as “Tsitsidosa,” separated in July 2025, following a period of shared injury struggles and disappointing results for both players.
Since the split, Tsitsipas has become notably more discreet about his private life, choosing to share more intentional moments, such as Thoms’ recent 29th birthday celebration in early April.
Looking ahead, Tsitsipas will take on eighth seed Alexander Bublik in the second round. This will be their third meeting on the ATP Tour, with the Greek holding a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head record. According to PFSN’s interactive Madrid Open predictor, Bublik got 52% chances of winning this clash. The winner of this match will face either local qualifier Daniel Merida Aguilar or the 26th seed Corentin Moutet in the third round.
