The sun-drenched shores of Ibiza provided a much-needed haven for tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, who escaped to the Balearic island to recharge after disappointing exits at the 2025 French Open. The Greek tennis sensation and his Spanish partner, known affectionately as “Tsitsidosa” by fans, traded the clay courts of Roland Garros for the serene beaches and vibrant nightlife of Ibiza, seeking a mental and emotional reset before the grass-court season. Their romantic getaway, filled with moments of tranquility and celebration, offered a glimpse into their life off the court and underscored the importance of balance in the high-stakes world of professional tennis.
For Tsitsipas, the French Open was a humbling experience. Seeded 20th, the former world No. 3 suffered a shock second-round defeat to Italy’s Matteo Gigante, a world No. 74 player, in a grueling four-set match (6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4). Badosa, ranked No. 9 in the WTA, fared slightly better but still fell in the third round to Russia’s Daria Kasatkina. The early exits left both players craving a break from the relentless demands of the tour. “We had a great time exploring the island,” Tsitsipas shared in a candid interview with Tennis Channel. “I tried pretty much everything the island has to offer, from the peaceful countryside to the livelier spots. My holiday was very varied, which I am very grateful for, as it allowed me to escape everyday life and maybe even relax properly before the grass season starts again.”
Ibiza, with its turquoise waters and vibrant energy, proved the perfect backdrop for their retreat. The couple, who began dating in June 2023 after Tsitsipas slid into Badosa’s DMs to congratulate her on a tournament win, shared glimpses of their adventure on social media. Badosa posted Instagram stories showcasing stunning sea views from their luxury hotel and moments of indulgence, like savoring a traditional Spanish arroz. Tsitsipas, known for his poetic flair, described the island’s magic: “Despertar aquí es como volver a algo real y antiguo, como si tu cuerpo lo recordara aunque tu mente lo haya olvidado. Sin despertadores. Solo la luz que entra por las ventanas, el sonido del océano y tu respiración finalmente calmada.” Translated, he mused about waking up to the sound of the ocean, free from alarms, in a place where “the day doesn’t rush you. It simply happens.”
Their trip wasn’t all serene sunsets. The couple embraced Ibiza’s legendary nightlife, dancing the evening away at a David Guetta concert at the iconic Ushuaïa nightclub. A live Instagram stream captured Tsitsipas and Badosa, joined by journalist Helena Condis, reveling in the music, with Badosa taking center stage on a platform, her infectious energy drawing cheers. “La mejor pareja del mundo mundial,” Condis wrote, dubbing them the world’s best couple. Yet, even amid the festivities, Badosa’s discipline shone through—she was back in the gym the next morning, balancing leisure with her commitment to the sport.
The getaway came at a pivotal moment for both players. Tsitsipas, now ranked No. 26 after a lackluster clay season, has faced challenges in recapturing the form that saw him reach two Grand Slam finals. His recent decision to part ways with his father as coach and team up with Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic’s former mentor, signals a new chapter. “I’m learning a lot,” Tsitsipas said of his work with Ivanisevic, whose expertise on grass could prove crucial as he prepares for the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle. Badosa, meanwhile, has clawed her way back to the WTA top 10 after a 2023 plagued by a back injury, her semifinal run at the 2025 Australian Open a testament to her resilience. “Her success gives me a lot of motivation,” Tsitsipas noted earlier this year, reflecting on how their relationship fuels their competitive drive.
Their time in Ibiza wasn’t just a vacation but a “strategic retreat,” as Tsitsipas put it, to rejuvenate mind and body. The couple’s bond, forged through mutual support at tournaments and shared adventures like their 2024 Iceland trip, thrives on their ability to balance competition with companionship. “We are really proactive and we just enjoy competition as well, between each other,” Tsitsipas said at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, where their coordinated white outfits turned heads. Their playful rivalry extends off the court, from mixed doubles exhibitions to lighthearted debates about who’s the better athlete.
As they prepare for the grass season—Tsitsipas in Halle against Luciano Darderi, Badosa at the Berlin Tennis Open—their Ibiza escape has left them refreshed. Fans speculate they might soon cross paths with Carlos Alcaraz, the French Open champion, who is reportedly headed to Ibiza for his own post-tournament break. For now, Tsitsipas and Badosa are savoring the harmony they’ve found. “It felt like a secret the island shared only with us,” Tsitsipas reflected, a sentiment that captures the magic of their journey—both in Ibiza and in their shared pursuit of greatness.
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