“If Paula Badosa can do it, why can’t I?” – Stefanos Tsitsipas on being motivated by girlfriend’s Australian Open success

Stefanos Tsitsipas recently shared that his girlfriend Paula Badosa’s impressive run to the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open has been a strong source of motivation for him. The former World No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam finalist has been struggling with form and disappointing results since his title victory at the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and a runner-up finish at the 2024 Barcelona Open.

Ahead of his 2025 ABN AMRO Open campaign in Rotterdam, Tsitsipas told ATPTour.com:

“Her success really motivates me. It was incredible and well-deserved.”

Tsitsipas also mentioned that Badosa was receptive to his feedback during the tournament. Before the 2025 Australian Open, Badosa had never reached a Grand Slam semifinal, while Tsitsipas has made it to six Major semifinals, winning two and reaching the final at the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

“With her run, I thought, ‘If she can do it, why can’t I?’ That’s how I see it. I’ve learned a lot from this journey on how to get to a Grand Slam semifinal. I felt privileged to offer her some small advice along the way. She was open to receiving feedback and tips,” Tsitsipas added.

Tsitsipas himself had a disappointing Australian Open, crashing out in the first round with a surprising four-set loss to American youngster Alex Michelsen. Badosa’s run came to an end in the semifinals, where she was defeated by her good friend, the current WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Despite his early exit, Tsitsipas remained in Melbourne to support Badosa. After her second-round win, Badosa called on the crowd to continue supporting Tsitsipas.

“Stefanos Tsitsipas may not be in his best form right now, but he will come back,” Badosa said after her dominant 6-1, 6-0 win over Talia Gibson.

Badosa, proud of her own quick victory, said: “He always complains that I play long matches, so I was really proud of myself today. It’s amazing to have him by my side. He gives me so much support. Please give him a round of applause because he’s not having his best time, but he will bounce back.”

Badosa’s next appearance is set for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Open, where she is the No. 2 seed at the WTA 500 event. She will begin her campaign in the second round, having received a first-round bye.