The match was slowly getting out of her grip, and frustration was written all over Spanish WTA star Paula Badosa’s face. Failing behind in the second set in her third-round match at the Australian Open, the WTA number 12 turned to her box and threw up her hands. Did she ask for any help or did she snap at her beau? Cameras zoomed in, commentators joked, and even Badosa’s ATP star boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas looked confused. However, the moment sparked a stream of controversial theories, but the truth? Far funnier and more interesting than anyone expected. Later, Badosa set the record straight, but by then, the internet had its moment of laughter.

Badosa entered the 2025 Australian Open fourth round, overpowering Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in a nerve-wracking three-set clash, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. The Spaniard player delivered a strong performance at Show Court Arena, though she hit a setback in the second set. The WTA number 12 started confidently, taking the opening set with her impressive play. However, the momentum shifted in the second set as Kostyuk raced to a 5-0 lead.

Frustrated by Melbourne’s windy weather disrupting her game, Badosa turned to her team, voicing her frustration. In a heated moment, the Spaniard gestured toward her coach Pol Toledo, seemingly asking him to take her place on the court. However, the camera, misinterpreted the moment, assuming she was directing the statement at her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, who watched her from the player’s box and tried to calm Badosa down. The commentators also seized the opportunity for humor, jokingly remarking that “Calm down” was probably the last thing Tsitsipas should say to his partner in such a situation. The lighthearted moment added a touch of humor to the otherwise intense match.

After sealing her victory, Badosa addressed the amusing mix-up during her post-match interview. When asked to reflect on her statement about asking Tsitsipas to play in her place, the 27-year-old laughed and clarified, “Well, yeah, I was saying that to my coach, honestly.” She went on to compliment her beau for his support though. “No, he was very supportive, giving me amazing tips—going for it, being aggressive. He was supporting me every point, I think. He was more nervous than me, but I really appreciate his support here,” Badosa added.

The WTA number 12 has consistently acknowledged Tsitsipas’ presence in her career, particularly during this Australian Open run.  Two days prior, after overpowering America’s Talia Gibson 6-1, 6-0 in the second round, Badosa dedicated her win to her Greek boyfriend. During the press conference, she expressed gratitude for his encouragement, despite his early exit from the tournament.

Tsitsipas suffered a disappointing opening-round defeat, but Badosa remained confident about his comeback. “It’s amazing to have him on my side. He gives me so much support. Guys, I want a round of applause for him because he’s not having the best moment, but he will come back,” she declared to the crowd.

While Tsitsipas has been a pillar of support for Badosa, she has also stood by him through his struggles. Following his early exit from Melbourne, she lifted her beau’s spirits with an encouraging message, proving their relationship grew stronger with each vulnerable moment. Though his tournament run ended early, the Spaniard’s belief in him might be the spark Tsitsipas needs to reclaim his best form.

Paula Badosa called Stefanos Tsitsipas “a champion” 

Tsitsipas lost the AO opening round to Alex Michelsen by 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, and 6-4. Post-defeat, the Greek player shared a heart-wrenching IG post reflecting on his Melbourne Journey. Highlighting how “every toss begins with hope, every swing carries purpose,” Tsitsipas confessed that with every fist pump, he is reminded why he loves this sport and his journey on tour. He added, “the fight in every rally, and the balance of preparation and execution. These moments – raw, honest, and unfiltered. These are the moments that keep me coming back.”

Tsitsipas’ IG post soon grabbed his belle, Badosa’s attention. She dropped her thoughts on the comment thread highlighting that she is still proud of her boyfriend. “Once a champion, always a champion,” wrote Badodsa. For Badosa, Tsitsipas has brought her “happiness, support, and fresh air “ something that she craved always. She confessed Tsitsipas’ presence was like a “light” in her darkest times.

Interstingly, Tsitsipas feels the same way for Badosa. “I bring the best out of my tennis with her when I practice … I honestly don’t even mind if she beats me. I want her to beat me. That means she’s getting better, and I want her to have an incredible career and reach world No. 1,” Tsitsipas once said about their equation.

With Tsitsipas’ support, Badosa has now entered the Happy Slam’s fourth round for the first time since 2022. Are you backing her to make a deep run in the ongoing AO? Share your thoughts in the comments below!