Tsitsidosa over: Paula Badosa, Stefanos Tsitsipas withdrawal from US Open mixed doubles signals end of relationship

The tennis world is reeling from the news that Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas, affectionately dubbed “Tsitsidosa” by fans, have withdrawn from the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event, signaling the end of their high-profile romance. The Spanish-Greek duo, once a captivating force both on and off the court, has pulled out of the reimagined tournament set to take place during Fan Week from August 19, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the personal and professional pressures that led to this decision. Their absence from the updated entry list, released on July 21, 2025, has intensified rumors of a breakup, marking a poignant chapter in their two-year love story.

Badosa and Tsitsipas, who first went public with their relationship in 2023, captured hearts with their chemistry, sharing playful moments on social media and even collaborating on a joint Spotify playlist. Their announcement as a mixed doubles pair for the US Open had generated significant buzz, with Tsitsipas expressing enthusiasm about the partnership: “I believe it’s honestly one of the best feelings to be sharing the court with Paula. We were able to enjoy the company of one another on the tennis court and make something great out of it.” The couple’s victory in the 2024 US Open Mixed Madness exhibition, where they defeated Amanda Anisimova and Taylor Fritz, further fueled anticipation for their Grand Slam debut together. However, the updated entry list revealed their absence, alongside other high-profile withdrawals like Zheng Qinwen and Jack Draper, both sidelined by injuries.

The timing of their withdrawal coincides with reports of a split following disappointing first-round exits at Wimbledon 2025. Badosa, ranked World No. 10, fell to Britain’s Katie Boulter in a three-set battle (6-2, 3-6, 6-4), while Tsitsipas, now No. 29, retired mid-match against Valentin Royer due to a recurring back injury, with the score at 6-3, 6-2. Sources close to the couple described the breakup as “mature and amicable,” noting, “The breakup just happened. They both lost in the first round in London and everything has come together for them. They were going through a rough patch professionally, with injuries, and that affected their relationship.” The couple’s decision to unfollow each other on Instagram and remove shared content further confirmed the speculation, though neither has publicly addressed the split.

Both players have faced significant challenges this season. Badosa, who reached the Australian Open semifinals in 2025, has been plagued by injuries, including a psoas tear and chronic back pain that forced her to withdraw from the Citi Open in Washington, where she was the defending champion. In a candid social media post, she shared her struggles: “I’m going through a really tough time. Sometimes everything feels like a tunnel with no way out … but if I’ve always proven one thing, it’s that I never stop fighting.” Tsitsipas, meanwhile, has battled anxiety and physical setbacks, admitting, “I’m battling many wars these days. It’s really painful to see myself in a situation like this. I feel like I’m left without answers.” His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, criticized his preparation, stating, “It’s both simple and not simple,” highlighting the pressure Tsitsipas faces to regain his form.

The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles format, offering a $1 million prize and a condensed 16-team draw, has drawn top singles players like Emma Raducanu with Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios. However, the absence of Badosa and Tsitsipas, alongside other withdrawals, has shifted the spotlight to new pairings like Anisimova and Holger Rune. The tournament’s shift to Fan Week and its focus on singles rankings for entry have sparked debate, with doubles star Katerina Siniakova criticizing the system: “When two world number ones in doubles don’t get into the tournament, there’s probably nothing more to say about it.” Despite the controversy, the event promises intense competition, though it will miss the star power of “Tsitsidosa.”

As Badosa and Tsitsipas navigate their separate paths, their withdrawal underscores the toll of professional tennis on personal lives. Fans who once celebrated their shared moments now await their return to form, hoping both players find solace and success in their individual journeys. For now, the US Open mixed doubles will proceed without the duo, leaving a bittersweet void in a tournament poised for excitement.

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