Serena Williams’ Ex and Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Childhood Coach Reacts After the Greek Star Lands Massive Milestone in Dubai

After a series of setbacks since the 2024 season, Stefanos Tsitsipas is finally back. Toppling an in-form Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in Dubai, the Greek claimed his maiden ATP 500 title in his 12th attempt. It was notably his third crack at the title in Dubai as well, after losing to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the summit previously. Playing in the Emirates for the first time since 2020 and having lost his spot in the ATP top 10 rankings with a 3-4 W/L record this season, the Greek was under immense pressure. But all’s well that ends well. Tsitsipas has not only got his rhythm back, but he seems to have revved up his sass meter in the process too.

In a stellar comeback post, Tsitsipas took to his Instagram on Sunday to post what netizens would call a “revenge” caption along with his picture kissing the iconic trophy. With an eye-catching caption as always, the 26-year-old wrote, “They said my game was sinking… so I got myself a boat.” This was in reference to the iconic trophy that came along with the points on the ATP scoreboard – the miniature of a boat, wrapped in silver.

Soon after, Patrick Moratoglou, Serena Williams’ former coach and ex-boyfriend (rumored), reacted to the post in awe, just like hundreds of Tsitsi-fans. Heading over to the comments on the post, Mouratoglou wrote, “Bravooooo.” For the unversed, Mouratoglou also coached a teenaged Tsitsipas at his tennis academy more than a decade back.

Scroll a little further in he comment section and you would find Gael Monfils as well, with his pat on the back for the Greek superstar. The Frenchman congratulated Tsitsi, writing, “Bravo Stef 🔥🙌🏾,” referencing the star’s popular nickname. Everyone seems to be happy for the Greek. And why not?

This title triumph brings Tsitsipas under the top 10 radar again, adding more fuel to the fire of his celebration. After the win on Sunday, he was happy, visibly so, but the ace did not get carried away in the surge of emotions fuelling his victory. During the post-match interview, he said, “These are the things we are fighting for as professional tennis players. To be owning a spot in the Top 10 is definitely one of the greatest feelings a tennis player can experience. It comes with hard work and sacrifices, but I’m happy that I’m in a position where I can really celebrate.” 

However, as he turned to thank his team in the box, fans noticed the absence of his girlfriend Paula Badosa cheering on her boyfriend in his big moment. However, her message became public shortly after.

Paula Badosa wishes her “champ” the best amidst crashing pain

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas’s love story is one of a kind. The two icons have stood by one another and proven that a relationship is all about showing up for your partner. As much as Badosa was happy seeing Stef clinch his maiden ATP 500 title, she is also in excruciating pain and exasperation at having disappointed her fans in Merida.

On Sunday, soon after Tsitsipas’ big win, Badosa took to her Instagram account to talk about his monumental victory. She wrote, “Once a champ, always a champ,” and tagged a picture of her boyfriend alongside it. However, soon after this sweet post, she made a disappointing announcement that left her fans heartbroken.

Badosa further added, “Hey everyone, Thanks so much for all the messages and support. I had to pull out of the match in Mérida because of lower back pain, but I’m already working on getting better. I’ll give it my all to get back on the court as soon as possible, with more energy than ever. Big hug, Paula 💙”

Now, every tennis player goes through pulls and muscle cramps once in a while, right? But the worries of Badosa’s fans might be a bit extreme. This is because of her chronic back pain, which led her to start on cortisone shots at just 26. Doctors had already given up on the hope of the Spanish WTA icon setting foot on court again, but as fate would have it and as her beau Tsitsipas mentions, “You don’t just play tennis. You play life, and you’re winning at both❤️.” Badosa is a tough nut to crack this easily.

However, the Spaniard’s withdrawal from the tournament comes just a mere month after her impressive Australian Open run, after which she had taken to Instagram to talk about how rejuvenated she felt. Will the injury layoffs push her back again? What do you think?