Stefanos Tsitsipas says girlfriend Paula Badosa is “close to 100%” despite Rome withdrawal

ROME, Italy—Only one half of “Tsitsidosa” is competing at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia this week, Stefanos Tsitsipas lending support to girlfriend Paula Badosa as she recovers from a recurring back injury that has ruled her out of action since the end of March.

“I feel like currently, she’s very close to 100% but not there yet,” Tsitsipas said after a 6-2, 7-6 (3) victory over Alexandre Müller. “I can sort of guess on the outside.

Badosa began struggling with back issues in 2023, a year after her rise to No. 2 in the WTA rankings. Tsitsipas spoke of “finding solutions” with Badosa, his partner of now over two years, at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open.

Badosa ultimately turned to injections to treat the injury later that spring, speaking openly about the rollercoaster of emotions that led her to briefly end her relationship with Tsitsipas. The pair reunited 10 days later.

She appeared to make a full recovery last summer she stormed back up the rankings, culminating with a semifinal finish at this year’s Australian Open that brought her back into the Top 10. But the injury cropped up again before Indian Wells, and she has played just one tournament since, withdrawing from both major clay-court warm-up events in Madrid and Rome.

She spoke to the press before pulling out of Rome, predicting this injury would force her to “retire young.”

I’m happy that she learned how to listen to her body and knows how to respond accordingly to the pain and discomfort she might have...she’s taking the necessary time that is required for her to be 100%. Stefanos Tsitsipas on girlfriend Paula Badosa's continued injury struggles

“I have been trying my best to support her in whichever way I can and know,” Tsitsipas said. “Only she knows what her limits are.

“I think she’s being smart. She was very naïve and stubborn when it first happened about two years ago. She really wanted to get back as soon as possible. I remember telling her she’s rushing and doing things too fast.

“I’m happy that she learned how to listen to her body and knows how to respond accordingly to the pain and discomfort she might have. So, I’m happy she’s taking the necessary time that is required for her to be 100%.”

Both Badosa and Tsitsipas are entered to play Roland Garros at the end of the month.