In the sun-drenched courts of the 2025 Madrid Open, amidst the electric anticipation of high-stakes tennis, a tender moment between Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas captured the spotlight, reminding fans that love can shine as brightly as athletic prowess. As Tsitsipas prepared to face Lorenzo Musetti in the Round of 32, his long-term girlfriend, Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa, bestowed a heartfelt good luck kiss, a gesture that radiated warmth and sparked joy among spectators. Dubbed “Tsitsidosa” by their devoted fans, the couple’s affectionate exchange became a highlight of the tournament, even as the match outcome didn’t go as hoped.
The scene unfolded just before Tsitsipas stepped onto the Caja Magica’s clay courts, where the world number 11 was gearing up for a challenging clash. Badosa, sidelined from the WTA 1000 event due to a persistent lower back injury, was there in full support, her presence a quiet strength for the Greek star. The kiss, captured by cameras and shared widely by fans on social media, was more than a fleeting moment—it was a testament to their enduring bond, forged through the highs and lows of professional tennis. One enthusiastic fan account on X, aptly named “Only Tsitsidosa,” posted the footage with a caption brimming with admiration, reflecting the couple’s popularity and the affection they inspire.
Tsitsipas, fresh off a hard-fought victory against Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round, was riding a wave of momentum. That earlier match had seen him stage a comeback after dropping the first set, a win celebrated by Badosa from the stands with visible emotion. “It was an important victory because towards the end I was fighting very hard to make a difference in the game,” Tsitsipas had said, crediting his serve for sealing the deal. Badosa’s pride was evident, her cheers echoing through the stadium as she watched her partner’s resilience shine. However, against Musetti, the good luck kiss couldn’t quite tip the scales. The Italian outplayed Tsitsipas in a tightly contested match, winning 5-7, 6-7(3), dashing the Greek’s hopes of advancing further.
Despite the loss, the couple’s chemistry remained undimmed. Badosa and Tsitsipas, who have been together since June 2023, have become a beloved fixture on the tennis circuit. Their relationship, which briefly hit a rough patch in May 2024 before a swift reconciliation, has only grown stronger, with shared moments like their victory in the inaugural Mixed Madness doubles event at the 2024 US Open. That night, Tsitsipas had thanked Badosa on air, calling her a “blessing” in his life, a sentiment that resonates in their every interaction. Their joint Instagram account, “Tsitsidosa,” is a treasure trove of such moments, from post-match hugs to playful adventures off the court, offering fans a glimpse into their supportive partnership.
Badosa’s own journey this season has been marred by injury, with her withdrawal from Madrid following a challenging recovery from a back issue that forced her to retire mid-match at the Miami Open in March. Yet, her spirit remains unbroken, as evidenced by her presence in Tsitsipas’s player box, where she’s often seen offering encouragement or sharing a laugh, like when Tsitsipas forgot the scoreline after his Struff win, prompting a gobsmacked grin from Badosa. “He’s a champion and he will always be a champion,” Badosa said defiantly after Tsitsipas’s US Open exit last year, a statement that underscores her unwavering belief in him.
The Madrid Open, already disrupted by a national power outage that halted play and tested players’ resilience, found a bright spot in this display of affection. As Tsitsipas navigates the clay season and Badosa prepares for a hoped-for return at the European leg of the tour, their story continues to captivate. Whether it’s a kiss for luck or a shared smile after a tough loss, “Tsitsidosa” reminds us that in the high-pressure world of professional tennis, love can be the ultimate game-changer, rallying hearts both on and off the court.
Lucky💋 pic.twitter.com/NHxNzKI4y6
— Tsitsidosa Updates (@OnlyTsitsidosa) April 29, 2025
Leave a Reply