In a relationship, support and care are essential, and that’s exactly the case for Paula Badosa. Her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas’s motivational words have been transformative for her – helping her break past self-doubt and rediscover her talent. Now celebrating a career milestone, Badosa is crediting Tsitsipas for showing how a supportive partner can inspire growth and bring out one’s full potential.

Leading Team Spain in the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga, Badosa has navigated a challenging season. In March, she withdrew from the Indian Wells tournament due to a fracture in her lower back, an injury stemming from Wimbledon the previous year. Her doctors warned her about the difficulty of continuing her career, leading the 26-year-old to briefly consider retirement from the sport she loves. While many of us may have thought about a career shift, Badosa faced a unique crossroads brought on by a life-threatening injury. Though she considered alternate paths, none resonated as strongly as tennis, and she ultimately decided to undergo cortisone injections while watching the spring clay season from her couch to rehabilitate.

Her determination paid off. Remarkably, within just four months, Badosa recovered and reached the Round of 16 at Wimbledon. Starting the year ranked 140 in May, she concluded the season as WTA No. 11, a testament to her resilience. Reflecting on her journey, Badosa revealed her moments of despair, though she was never alone—she had the steadfast encouragement of Tsitsipas. In an interview with Alex Corretja on Movistar+, Badosa shared how her boyfriend’s belief in her made a profound impact.

“I will never forget it,” she recalled. “I wasn’t well; I wasn’t where I wanted to be. I told him: I think I’m going to give up this year because I don’t see myself coming back. And he looked at me as if I was crazy and said: But you’ll be in the top 10 again soon.” At the time, Badosa found it hard to believe, laughing as she thought, “He’s just saying that because he loves me.” Yet time proved Tsitsipas right, and she now views his support as a key factor in her success. “When you have played tennis, you perceive these things,” she explained. “He empathizes a lot and has been there in almost all my bad moments. We have something very special: we admire each other. Hearing those words from a great athlete like him motivates me. Having a partner who believes in you helps.”

Badosa’s words echoed her love for her partner. However, it is not just Tsitsipas’ support that influenced her to reach this exceptional milestone but also her fighting spirit.

Paula Badosa revealed how she manages to get strength out of her challenging situations

When the Spaniard won the 2024 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, it was her first title win after two years. Delighted Badosa said, “I am a person who when I hit rock bottom, and it is not the first time I have done so, I manage to get a lot of strength out of it, I have always been an independent girl, with a lot of character, with personality and, at that critical moment this year, I decided to make changes in the team that helped me a lot.” Her statement highlighted her silence and dedication to the sport.

Paula Badosa’s incredible rise in the WTA ranking showcases her hard work. Despite having a tough time with injuries, she chose to fight for the sport she loves and proved her worth. Now, it is time to see if she continues with her magic in the BJK Cup too. So, are you ready?