Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa, two of tennis’s brightest stars and now one of the sport’s most talked-about couples, shared a heartwarming moment on television at the 2024 Paris Masters. Tsitsipas, coming off an intense three-set battle in his third-round match against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, was joined in spirit—and later in a post-match interview—by Badosa, who has been an unwavering supporter throughout his campaign in Paris.
Badosa, who concluded her own WTA season just weeks ago, has been a constant presence in Bercy, attending each of Tsitsipas’s matches and providing both emotional and vocal support. During the high-stakes match against Cerundolo, Badosa’s encouragement appeared to resonate with Tsitsipas, especially after he dropped the first set in a tiebreak. As the Greek struggled to find his footing, her presence seemed to bolster his resolve. Tsitsipas eventually staged a successful comeback, overcoming the initial deficit to secure the match 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-2.
During his post-match interview, Tsitsipas was clearly elated, and Badosa’s pride was evident as well. Speaking about her boyfriend’s performance, Badosa praised his resilience and the mental toughness he exhibited under pressure. “I am really proud of how he fought through that, especially the mental side. It’s never easy to handle such expectations in these types of matches. He did great,” she said with evident admiration. Her words highlighted her understanding of the mental and emotional demands that elite tennis players face, especially in the final stretches of a match.
Their relationship, which became public earlier in 2024, has attracted considerable media attention, with fans and analysts noting how their mutual support seems to positively impact both players’ performances. In Badosa’s case, while her season has come to an end, she closed the year on a high note, bouncing back after a challenging start. Coming off an injury that affected her early-season momentum, Badosa persevered to capture her fourth career title at the Citi Open. She also reached the semifinals of prestigious tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open, the China Open, and the Ningbo Open, before ultimately putting up a strong showing at the US Open, where she reached the quarterfinals before bowing out to Emma Navarro.
For Tsitsipas, the Paris Masters represents more than just another tournament; it is a crucial opportunity to secure a place in the ATP Finals in Turin. Currently ranked 11th with 3165 points, the Greek must secure more points to break into the top 8 and qualify for the elite year-end championship. A win in Paris would propel him to 3965 points, which could secure his spot among the best players of the season. Tsitsipas is no stranger to the ATP Finals; he has qualified for the prestigious tournament in the last five seasons and famously won the title in 2018 by defeating Dominic Thiem in a thrilling final. The chance to return to Turin adds a layer of urgency to each of his matches in Paris, especially as he faces World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.
Zverev is a formidable opponent, and Tsitsipas will need to be at his best if he hopes to advance. The upcoming match will mark Tsitsipas’s fourth appearance in the Paris Masters quarterfinals, as he previously reached the same stage in 2019 and in the past two editions. Facing Zverev will not only test Tsitsipas’s physical endurance but also his mental toughness, qualities that Badosa has continually praised in him.
As Tsitsipas navigates this critical juncture in his season, Badosa’s presence has seemingly provided him with a renewed sense of calm and focus. Their partnership off the court is often a topic of discussion, not only because they are high-profile athletes but because they share a deep understanding of each other’s unique challenges. Tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and having a partner who understands that struggle intimately can be a source of invaluable support.
The dedication and mutual encouragement that define their relationship offer a reminder of the importance of emotional stability for professional athletes. For Tsitsipas, having Badosa by his side during a pivotal tournament in Paris—where every match carries implications for his ranking and future—has brought a visible sense of comfort. Their public show of support also speaks to the significance of personal relationships in sports, which can often be as isolating as they are exhilarating.
Badosa’s season might be over, but her achievements in 2024 are notable. Despite a rough start due to injury, she managed to rally and achieve remarkable results. Winning the Citi Open was a highlight, and her semifinal runs at Cincinnati, China, and Ningbo underscored her resilience. Her impressive performance at the US Open further solidified her standing in women’s tennis, proving that she can compete against top players even when recovering from setbacks.
As Tsitsipas continues his Paris campaign with the ATP Finals in his sights, the journey of both players in 2024 reflects the challenges and triumphs that elite athletes encounter. With Badosa now able to devote her energy to supporting Tsitsipas, her presence in Paris serves as a testament to the power of partnership in the demanding world of professional sports. Tsitsipas and Badosa’s journey—both individual and shared—embodies the resilience, passion, and dedication that drive the world’s top athletes. As the Paris Masters unfolds, fans eagerly await to see whether Tsitsipas can capitalize on the momentum and secure a place in Turin, with Badosa cheering him on every step of the way.