When tennis and romance collide, you get “Tsitsidosa.” Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa—tennis’ favorite power couple—are back on the Melbourne court as the 2025 Grand Slam journey begins. However, their Australian Open campaigns couldn’t have been more different. Badosa breezed through her first-round match, while Tsitsipas stunned fans with an early exit that no one saw coming.

Paula Badosa, the 11th seed began her journey on January 12 with a solid performance against China’s Wang Xinyu. Winning in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5), she booked her spot in the second round. Up next? A clash with Australian wildcard Talia Gibson, who will have the crowd on her side.

Tsitsipas, however, had a rough start. Just a day after Badosa’s win, the former finalist fell to 19-year-old Alex Michelsen in a stunning four-set loss: 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. It was a shocking upset, especially for someone who had previously thrived here, with three semifinal appearances and a finals run in 2023. Reflecting on his defeat, Tsitsipas took to Instagram to share a message full of resilience. His girlfriend Badosa offered her unwavering support by commenting “Once a champion, always a champion.” 

Now it’s the Greek tennis star’s turn to show support. Tsitsipas be on the sidelines, staying in Australia as the World No.12 continues her campaign.

Their relationship, which blossomed in 2023, has always been a source of inspiration for both players. Tsitsipas once shared to a Spanish magazine Hola, how he first noticed Badosa at the 2020 Australian Open. He said, “It was love at first sight, and from that day on, I was completely mesmerized.”

Their romantic journey officially began in May 2023 during the Italian Open. A simple congratulatory message from Tsitsipas after one of Badosa’s matches sparked a connection that quickly grew into a romantic relationship. The duo hit a brief rough patch in May 2024 due to the pressures of their demanding careers but soon reconciled. Tsitsipas has since described Badosa as his “person,” and their bond remains as strong as ever.

The former World No.3 has never shied away from expressing his admiration for his girlfriend.

Stefanos Tsitsipas praises Paula Badosa’s stellar performance in 2024

Paula Badosa dropped out of the Top 100 rankings, she dealt with a lower back injury in 2023. But she didn’t just claw her way back to the Top 15 in 2024—she smashed through every obstacle in her path. After a career-threatening back injury, the Spaniard had a season to remember, making two second-week appearances at Grand Slams, including a quarterfinal run at the US Open. She also reached two WTA 1000 semifinals and clinched her first title in over two years at the Washington, D.C. Open in August.

These achievements didn’t go unnoticed. Badosa’s perseverance and results earned her the WTA’s 2024 Comeback Player of the Year honor—a fitting reward for a season filled with grit and determination.

Her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas, couldn’t hold back his admiration. Following her award, the Greek star took to X to share a heartfelt message. “My dear Paula, you’ve worked so hard and shown such resilience to re-establish yourself as a top player this year, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. As someone once famously said, ‘Spanish never die,’” he wrote.

It’s love all for the tennis couple as Badosa looks to make a deep run at the ongoing Australian Open. Can the Spaniard turn this into her best Australian Open yet with Tsitsipas beside to support her? What do you think?