“We have our own careers, our own things, and sometimes it’s better to separate ways,” Paula Badosa declared after splitting up with Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier in May. However, TsitsiDosa were back together a few weeks later and continued to set up their unmatchable “couple goals”. Hidden inside their paradise was also an unglamorized reality, the struggles of being a supportive partner, especially when it comes to “cheering” for each other.

In a candid interview, Paula Badosa, who made her relationship with  Tsitsipas public last year, delves into the complexities of athlete relationships. When the interviewer asked her where she suffered the most, “on the court playing or in the Tsitsipas box supporting?” The Spanish tennis sensation had a straightforward answer. “In both, to be honest, but I would probably say that you suffer more off the court because you can’t do anything to come in and help him, and when you’re playing, in the end, you yourself have that control.”

The duo were ready to play mixed doubles at the French Open with each other shortly after patching things up. However, by then, Tsitsipas, who has had a mixed season this year, had already experienced two sour experiences at the Italian Open and the Madrid Open. Besides, the former World No. 3 has dropped from the top 10. Badosa, who suffered a lower back injury, could not perform at the Roland Garros and Wimbledon (mixed doubles).

Irrespective of their rocky season, the couple has held on tightly through several ups and downs. When Badosa saw Tsitsipas struggle on-court to bring on the same energy as he did in Monte Carlo (where he won the tournament), she had to do the toughest thing a loved one has to do—sit and wait—without being able to help him on the tennis court, and that made her “suffer” more.

Although the former World No. 2, Badosa herself is not going through a great season, according to her, it is easier to handle it than to feel helpless to see her boyfriend struggle to perform on-court. Besides, their professional commitments also interfered with their personal lives. In an earlier interview, Stefanos Tsitsipas’ raw honesty behind their initial breakup further hinted the same.

Stefanos Tsitsipas blames the “pressure of the tour” behind his split up with Paula Badosa

Being an athlete while also dating another athlete can put immense pressure on a couple from time to time. Tsitsipas and Badosa were no exception to that. However, they rose above it and were all smiles ahead of the French Open of this season. Speaking about the reason behind their breakup, the 25-year-old player opened up and said, “I would say that I didn’t manage it very well either, because I was feeling the pressure of the tour, of my work. It seemed like a mountain to combine these two (personal and professional life) and I made the decision to take a break.”

However, soon the scenario changed when Tsitsipas said that Paula Badosa was “his person.” “After two-three weeks, I realized that she is the person who has supported me a lot. And when she tried to talk to me about meeting, I felt how intense the love we have for each other is.” He also mentioned how his connection with Badosa is different from any other relationship he has had in the past. Besides, it is Paula that he wants by his side “as often as possible.” Hence, they reconnected and are currently enjoying their relationship’s new journey. 

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas’ confessions provide a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scene dynamic of every sports couple. Through all the trials and tribulations, we are all happy to see Tsitsidosa come back together once again!