The tennis world was rocked by the news that Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the sport’s beloved “Tsitsidosa” couple, had parted ways after their first-round exits at Wimbledon 2025. The breakup, marked by the pair unfollowing each other on Instagram and purging their shared moments from social media, signaled the end of a romance that had captivated fans since 2023. But Badosa, the 26-year-old Spanish star, isn’t letting heartbreak derail her ambitions. In a stunning turn of events, she has found a new partner for the revamped 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship: Britain’s rising talent Jack Draper. This dynamic duo, announced on July 29, 2025, as part of the tournament’s star-studded lineup, promises to bring fresh energy to Flushing Meadows, where they’ll compete for a $1 million prize starting August 19.
Badosa and Tsitsipas, once a powerhouse both on and off the court, had been slated to play together in the US Open’s reimagined mixed doubles event, a high-profile competition designed to spotlight top singles players with a fast-paced format of short sets and no-ad scoring. “I believe it’s honestly one of the best feelings to be sharing the court with Paula,” Tsitsipas had said in a video shared by the US Open in June, reflecting on their chemistry after winning the 2024 Mixed Madness exhibition. “We were able to enjoy the company of one another on the tennis court and make something great out of it.” Their 2024 victory over Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton had fueled anticipation for a deep run in 2025, but their split after Wimbledon—a second breakup following a brief separation in May 2024—prompted their withdrawal from the event as a team.
Enter Jack Draper, the 23-year-old British No. 1, whose aggressive baseline game and powerful groundstrokes make him a formidable partner for Badosa. Draper was initially set to pair with China’s Zheng Qinwen, but her withdrawal due to elbow surgery opened the door for this unexpected alliance. “Love is out, competition is in!” one observer noted, capturing the excitement around Badosa and Draper’s pairing. The duo, one of eight direct entries based on combined singles rankings, joins an elite field including Jannik Sinner with Emma Navarro, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, and Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu. Badosa, currently ranked No. 10 after slipping from No. 9 post-Wimbledon, brings her fiery competitiveness, while Draper, who skipped the Citi DC Open and upcoming Masters events to focus on recovery, adds youthful dynamism.
The breakup with Tsitsipas, described as a “healthy” and mature decision with “no third parties or family influences,” was a tough blow for Badosa, who has battled chronic back injuries, including a stress fracture in 2023 that forced her to retire from Wimbledon that year. “When we were great, the relationship was great. Other times, we have our own careers, our own things, and sometimes it’s better to separate ways,” she said in 2024, likening their split to Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov’s “right person, wrong time” story. Despite the emotional weight, Badosa has shown resilience, reaching the Australian Open semifinals in 2025 and defeating Mirra Andreeva and Emma Navarro at the Italian Open earlier this year. Her decision to team with Draper signals a forward-looking mindset, ready to channel her energy into a new challenge.
Draper, meanwhile, is no stranger to adversity, having withdrawn from recent tournaments to manage his own physical demands. His compatibility with Badosa’s game—her precise groundstrokes complementing his attacking style—has fans buzzing about their potential. “We’re looking forward to it, it’s really nice to share the court together,” Badosa said of mixed doubles partnerships in 2024, a sentiment that likely extends to her new venture with Draper. The US Open’s revamped format, with matches on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums and a 10-point tiebreak replacing a third set, is tailor-made for their high-octane styles, promising thrilling rallies and bold shot-making.
As Badosa prepares for Flushing Meadows, her focus is clear: turn the page and seize this opportunity. While Tsitsipas, grappling with a chronic back injury that led to his Wimbledon retirement, has yet to confirm a new partner, Badosa’s move to team with Draper has reignited excitement. The tennis world is watching, eager to see if this new pairing can capture the magic that “Tsitsidosa” once promised. With the US Open looming, Badosa’s resilience and Draper’s rising star power make them a team to watch, ready to serve up drama and dazzle in New York.
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