While Paula Badosa is fully immersed in the competitive spirit of the Billie Jean King Cup, representing Spain, it might seem that there’s little time for anything beyond tennis. Yet, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis star and Badosa’s devoted partner, is facing his own challenge—finding a way to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday despite her intense focus on the tournament. Tsitsipas, who is away in Turin due to his own ATP Finals commitments, managed to show why he has earned a reputation as one of the most romantic partners in tennis. He didn’t let distance or their demanding schedules stop him from making Badosa feel special on her birthday.
Badosa, who turned 27 today, is in Malaga, giving her all to help Spain at the Billie Jean King Cup. Tsitsipas, on the other hand, decided to show his love and support through a heartfelt Instagram post. The post included a sweet video of the couple that quickly caught fans’ attention, bringing a touch of warmth and light-heartedness amidst the intensity of the competition. In the video, Badosa is seen posing while Tsitsipas films her, only for the playful moment to take a humorous turn when Tsitsipas teasingly asks, “Why are you posing?” Badosa, caught off guard but smiling, responds, “Because you are taking a picture, so…” Their shared laughter encapsulates the joy and comfort they find in each other’s presence. Accompanying the video, Tsitsipas wrote, “Good morning, good luck, and happy birthday to my favorite girl!”—a simple yet meaningful way to wish Badosa a happy birthday and offer encouragement for her upcoming matches.
This public display of affection is far from the first time Tsitsipas has made a romantic gesture for Badosa. Throughout their relationship, he has been a steadfast source of support and encouragement. Whether through surprise dates, heartfelt social media posts, or simply being by her side during difficult times, Tsitsipas has consistently shown his love and admiration for Badosa. Just a few days ago, during an interview with EuroSport, Badosa spoke about the depth of their relationship, saying, “We have something that is also very beautiful in a couple, which is to admire the other. We respect and admire each other a lot. Hearing those words from a great athlete like him motivates me. That your partner believes in you also helps.” Her words highlighted how their bond extends beyond romantic gestures, rooted in mutual respect, encouragement, and admiration.
This strong partnership has proven especially valuable during Badosa’s more challenging moments on the court. Injuries and setbacks have been a significant part of her recent journey, especially following a meteoric rise to World No. 2 in 2022. In 2023, injuries disrupted her momentum and tested her resolve, leaving her questioning whether she could continue competing at the highest level. During these moments of doubt, Tsitsipas stood by her side, offering unwavering support and urging her not to give up. His belief in her abilities never wavered, even when Badosa considered stepping away from tennis altogether. Reflecting on that difficult time, Badosa shared, “I’ll never forget it. I wasn’t doing well. I wasn’t where I wanted to be. And I told him: I think I’m going to retire this year, I don’t see myself going back to that. And he looked at me with a face like I was crazy and said: ‘You’re going to be back in the top 10 soon’. I looked at him and said: ‘You love me a lot (laughs).’”
Tsitsipas’s words of encouragement were more than just a pep talk—they were a lifeline. In a sport where mental strength can be just as important as physical prowess, having someone who believes in you can make all the difference. Tsitsipas’s support not only helped Badosa through her darkest moments but also reaffirmed the strength of their relationship. It’s a bond built on shared experiences, mutual understanding, and a deep appreciation for each other’s passion and drive.
As Badosa celebrates her birthday, she does so with the knowledge that she has the unwavering support of Tsitsipas, even from afar. Their relationship serves as a reminder that love and encouragement can flourish even in the most demanding of circumstances. While Badosa focuses on helping Spain achieve success in the Billie Jean King Cup, Tsitsipas continues to cheer her on, proving that distance and professional commitments are no match for their connection.
For fans of the couple, moments like these offer a glimpse into the human side of professional athletes—individuals who, despite their rigorous schedules and competitive spirit, find time to celebrate each other’s successes and support each other through setbacks. As Badosa steps onto the court, she carries with her not just the hopes of her nation but also the love and support of the man who has been by her side through thick and thin. With any luck, she’ll be able to channel that support into a winning performance, adding another cherished memory to her already special day. For now, Tsitsipas and Badosa continue to show that love, laughter, and unwavering belief are the true hallmarks of a strong partnership, both on and off the court.