Paula Badosa recently treated her fans to an intimate look into her romantic Icelandic getaway with her boyfriend and fellow tennis star, Stefanos Tsitsipas. The couple’s retreat to the breathtaking landscapes of the Scandinavian nation provided a serene backdrop for some well-deserved relaxation after an intense 2024 tennis season. Through a series of social media posts, Badosa offered glimpses into their cozy and intimate moments, captivating fans with snapshots of their snowy adventures and quiet evenings indoors.
A Well-Deserved Break
Following the conclusion of their respective seasons, both Badosa and Tsitsipas were in need of a restful escape. Badosa’s season came to an early end at the Ningbo Open, where she was forced to retire during her semifinal clash against Daria Kasatkina due to ongoing medical concerns. Shortly after, the 27-year-old Spaniard made the tough decision to withdraw from the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, signaling her need to prioritize health and recovery. Meanwhile, Tsitsipas wrapped up his season at the Paris Masters, where his campaign ended on November 1, 2024. He faced a narrow quarterfinal defeat against Germany’s Alexander Zverev, losing 7-5, 6-4. Despite being listed as an alternate for the prestigious ATP Finals, Tsitsipas did not get the chance to compete, as no players withdrew from the tournament.
Seeking solace from the demanding grind of the professional tennis circuit, the couple ventured to Eleven Deplar Farm, nestled in Iceland’s remote Fljót Valley on the Troll Peninsula. Known for its luxurious amenities and stunning surroundings, the farm offered a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Braving snowy mountain landscapes and enduring bone-chilling temperatures as low as -12°C, Badosa and Tsitsipas embraced the Nordic winter. Their evenings, however, were a stark contrast to the day’s frosty excursions. Badosa shared a heartwarming snapshot of the couple enjoying a quiet night indoors, snuggled up with blankets, watching a movie, and savoring what appeared to be steaming cups of hot chocolate. She captioned the post simply: “Saturday Night,” letting the cozy scene speak volumes about their contentment.
Support and Resilience
Beyond the picturesque vacation, Badosa’s relationship with Tsitsipas has been a source of profound personal and professional support. Earlier in the year, during the emotionally challenging lead-up to the French Open, Badosa found herself at a crossroads. She openly discussed the struggles she faced and the moments when she considered stepping away from the sport entirely. In a candid interview with former Spanish player Alex Corretja, Badosa revealed the pivotal role Tsitsipas played in her decision to continue.
“I wasn’t doing well; I wasn’t where I wanted to be,” Badosa confessed. “I told him, ‘I think I’m going to quit this year because I can’t see myself returning to this level.’ He looked at me as if I were crazy and said, ‘But you will be top-10 again soon.’ I thought, ‘This guy has lost it.’ But he cares so much about me.”
Tsitsipas’ unwavering belief in Badosa’s potential and his empathy resonated deeply. “When you’ve played tennis, you pick up on these things,” she explained. “He’s someone who empathizes a lot. He has been there through almost all my bad moments and has been a great support for me.”
Their Shared Journey
The couple’s relationship has blossomed both on and off the court, with their shared experiences in the competitive world of tennis forging a unique bond. They have been spotted cheering each other on at various tournaments, and their mutual respect and admiration are evident. Badosa’s journey in 2024 included a challenging match against Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open, where she fell short in the third round after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-1 defeat. Despite the setback, Tsitsipas’ encouragement and belief in her abilities have been a driving force in her pursuit of a return to the upper echelons of the sport.
For Tsitsipas, the journey has been equally demanding. The Greek star faced a rollercoaster season, marked by impressive victories and tough losses. His performance at the Paris Masters was emblematic of his year—competitive but falling just short of the ultimate prize. Nevertheless, his focus on Badosa’s well-being and career demonstrates the depth of their relationship.
Looking Ahead
As the couple savors their time in Iceland, the future holds promise and challenges in equal measure. For Badosa, the path back to the top-10 ranking that Tsitsipas envisions will require physical resilience and mental fortitude. Yet, with the unwavering support of her partner, she seems more determined than ever. Tsitsipas, too, will look to channel the tranquility of their Icelandic escape into renewed vigor on the court in the upcoming season.
Their getaway serves as a reminder that behind the intense competition and relentless pursuit of victory, moments of connection and relaxation are crucial. For fans of both players, the shared glimpses into their personal lives offer a deeper appreciation of their journeys—not just as athletes but as individuals supporting each other through triumphs and tribulations.
In a sport where the spotlight often magnifies the pressure, Badosa and Tsitsipas’ Icelandic adventure reflects a refreshing narrative of love, resilience, and mutual encouragement. As they return from their winter retreat, their fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how this chapter influences their next steps on the tennis court.