Amid the electric atmosphere of the 2025 Barcelona Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis star ranked No. 16 in the world, revealed a heartwarming and unexpected detail about his biggest supporter: Josep Badosa, the father of his girlfriend, WTA star Paula Badosa. In a candid interview during the ATP 500 event, Tsitsipas shared a charming anecdote that underscores the unique bond he shares with his partner’s family. “Josep Badosa, Paula’s father,” Tsitsipas said with a grin when asked about his most devoted fan. “He keeps wearing ‘Team Tsitsipas’ [on his shirt] just everywhere he goes! There’s this one t-shirt that I gave him, and he just wears it everywhere.” This revelation, delivered with a mix of amusement and gratitude, highlights the personal support network fueling Tsitsipas’ drive as he chases a coveted Barcelona title.
Tsitsipas and Badosa, both 27, have been a high-profile couple since June 2023, often spotted cheering each other on from the stands. Their relationship, dubbed “Tsitsidosa” by fans, has weathered challenges, including a brief split in May 2024, only to be rekindled weeks later. The mutual support extends beyond the court, with their families forming a tight-knit circle. While Tsitsipas’ father, Apostolos, long served as his coach and a constant presence at matches, it’s Josep Badosa’s enthusiastic fandom that has captured attention. His unwavering commitment to sporting Tsitsipas’ merchandise has made him an unofficial ambassador for the Greek star, adding a layer of warmth to Tsitsipas’ journey through a demanding season.
The Barcelona Open, where Tsitsipas has reached the final three times without lifting the trophy, is a critical stop in his 2025 campaign. After a quarter-final run at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was the defending champion, Tsitsipas arrived in Spain with renewed focus. “Every year is difficult, I don’t think reaching any of those finals has been easy,” he said, reflecting on the competitive field at this ATP 500 event. His straight-sets victory over Facundo Diaz Acosta in the third round showcased his clay-court finesse, blending powerful groundstrokes with deft drop shots. Yet, it’s the off-court support, particularly from Josep, that Tsitsipas credits for keeping his spirits high. “It’s special to have that kind of backing,” he added, acknowledging the emotional lift provided by his extended family.
Josep’s fandom is particularly poignant given Paula Badosa’s current absence from the tour. After a stellar 2024, highlighted by a Washington title and a US Open quarter-final, Badosa has been sidelined by a recurring back injury since withdrawing from the Miami Open. “Her success gives me a lot of motivation,” Tsitsipas said earlier this year, reflecting on Badosa’s Australian Open semi-final run that propelled her back into the WTA top 10. With Badosa on the mend, Josep has stepped up as a visible supporter for Tsitsipas, his “Team Tsitsipas” t-shirt a symbol of solidarity. “It’s really nice to share the court together,” Badosa said during their mixed doubles stint at the 2024 US Open, a sentiment that extends to their families’ intertwined support.
Tsitsipas’ season has been one of transition. After parting ways with his father as coach in August 2024, following a string of disappointing results, he brought on Dimitris Chatzinikolaou and is rumored to be eyeing Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic for a post-Roland Garros role. “I’ll make an official announcement soon, but I can’t say anything yet,” Tsitsipas teased in Barcelona, keeping fans guessing. His mother, Julia Apostoli, has also been vocal about his growth, noting after his coaching split, “He is a professional and although he loves his father very much, he understands that he has to find another coach.” This shift has allowed Tsitsipas to lean on external support, with Josep Badosa emerging as an unexpected cheerleader.
The Barcelona Open offers Tsitsipas a chance to end his title drought and build momentum for the clay season. Facing a potential semi-final against top seed Carlos Alcaraz, who leads their head-to-head 6-0, Tsitsipas knows the challenge ahead. Yet, the sight of Josep in the stands, proudly wearing his t-shirt, adds a personal stakes to the fight. “We’re all together and we are a close family,” Julia Apostoli said, a sentiment that now includes the Badosa clan. As Tsitsipas navigates the pressures of professional tennis, Josep’s unwavering support serves as a reminder of the human connections that ground him, making every forehand and every match a little more meaningful.