In the whirlwind of professional tennis, where grueling schedules and high-stakes matches dominate, Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas carved out a precious moment of respite in Ibiza, a sun-drenched haven that proved to be more than just a vacation. The tennis power couple, known affectionately as “Tsitsidosa,” jetted off to the Balearic Island after early exits at the French Open in June 2025, seeking to recharge before the grass-court season’s pinnacle at Wimbledon. In a candid interview at the Berlin Open, Badosa opened up about the trip’s significance, revealing why those few days were “very important” for their mental and physical recovery. “We had an amazing time,” she said, underscoring how the escape fortified their resilience for the challenges ahead.
The French Open had been a bruising experience for both players. Badosa, ranked No. 12, fell in the second round to Russia’s Daria Kasatkina, while Tsitsipas, the world No. 20, suffered a shock defeat to Italy’s Matteo Gigante. The emotional toll of these losses, coupled with the relentless pace of the ATP and WTA tours, made their Ibiza getaway a necessity. “It was very important for us, especially because the tour is very intense,” Badosa explained. “Having two or three days is enough, but much needed. We’re working hard. It was necessary for us to spend some time outside of the tennis world after a Slam that is very intense and before one that is coming.” Her words captured the delicate balance elite athletes must strike between dedication and downtime, a balance she and Tsitsipas have mastered as a couple navigating the same demanding sport.
Ibiza, with its turquoise waters and vibrant culture, offered the perfect backdrop for their reset. Tsitsipas, speaking to Tennis Channel, described the trip as a multifaceted adventure. “We had a great time exploring the island. I tried pretty much everything the island has to offer, from the peaceful countryside to the livelier spots,” he said. “My holiday was very varied, which I am very grateful for, as it allowed me to escape everyday life and maybe even relax properly before the grass season starts again.” From boat rides along the coast to quiet dinners overlooking the sea, the couple embraced the island’s duality—serenity and excitement—mirroring their own dynamic as fierce competitors and devoted partners. Social media glimpses showed Badosa soaking in scenic views and Tsitsipas reveling in the island’s energy, a testament to their shared love for travel and discovery.
Their relationship, which began in May 2023 when Tsitsipas messaged Badosa after her Italian Open win, has been a pillar of support through professional highs and lows. After a brief split in May 2024, reconciled with the help of Tsitsipas’s mother, Julia Apostoli, the couple has grown stronger, often cheering each other courtside or competing together, like their 6-4 mixed doubles exhibition win over Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton at the 2024 US Open. “Her success gives me a lot of motivation,” Tsitsipas said during Badosa’s Australian Open semifinal run in January 2025, highlighting their mutual inspiration. Badosa echoed this sentiment, noting, “It’s super special having your partner by your side supporting you in this moment, [where] there’s a lot of pressure and expectations before a tournament.”
The Ibiza trip, however, came with a bittersweet aftermath. At the Berlin Open, Badosa’s campaign ended abruptly when she retired due to injury against Wang Xinyu in the quarterfinals, a reminder of the physical toll of the sport. Tsitsipas, now under the guidance of new coach Goran Ivanisevic, opened his grass season at the Halle Open, facing Luciano Darderi in the first round. As they approach Wimbledon, where Badosa aims to surpass her fourth-round best and Tsitsipas eyes a deep run after a 2018 fourth-round finish, their Ibiza escape has fortified their resolve. “We are just deeply in love and we appreciate each other,” Tsitsipas once said, a sentiment that shines through as they face the grass courts together, refreshed and ready to write the next chapter of their “Tsitsidosa” story.
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