Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals what was said between him and Paula Badosa during ‘serious conversations’ at the Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa experienced vastly different fortunes at the 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne.
For Tsitsipas, the tournament ended in disappointment as he suffered a shocking first-round exit against rising American star Alex Michelsen. The Greek, once a strong contender at the Grand Slam, fell 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, making him one of the event’s biggest early casualties.
Badosa, on the other hand, had a career-defining run. She stunned defending champion Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals before ultimately bowing out to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals, marking her best-ever performance at a Grand Slam.
Tsitsipas Helped Badosa Break Out of Her Comfort Zone
Following her remarkable tournament, Tsitsipas shared insights into Badosa’s journey and how her success served as a source of motivation for him.
“Her run was incredibly inspiring and well deserved,” Tsitsipas told the ATP Tour. “Seeing her reach the semi-finals made me think, ‘If she can do it, why can’t I?’ It was a learning experience for me as well.”
The Greek star revealed that he played an active role in supporting Badosa throughout the tournament, offering her strategic advice and feedback.
“I felt privileged to be able to give her small tips along the way. She gave me the freedom to share my thoughts, and through that, I also learned a lot about my own approach to the game. It pushed me forward.”
Despite their close relationship, Tsitsipas admitted that he took a firm approach in his conversations with Badosa, believing she needed to push beyond her limits.
“I was strict with her because I didn’t want to be too soft. She has so much potential, and I wanted to help her break free from her comfort zone and become even more dangerous on the court.”
He emphasized that Badosa had previously been underplaying her abilities, often unaware of her full potential.
“I feel there were moments in the past where she didn’t realize she was capable of more. I wanted to help her tap into that extra level and truly express her tennis identity.”
Beyond her on-court success, Tsitsipas found personal inspiration in watching Badosa execute the advice they discussed.
“Seeing her perform at that level taught me a lot about what it takes to succeed in those moments. It’s incredible to have a relationship where we can exchange ideas and grow together.”
Tsitsipas Aims to Reignite His Grand Slam Form
While Badosa is riding the momentum of her breakthrough performance, Tsitsipas finds himself in need of a resurgence.
Once ranked as high as No. 3 in the world, the 26-year-old has slipped to No. 13 following inconsistent results. His Grand Slam track record remains stronger than Badosa’s, having reached two major finals—the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open—though both ended in defeat to Novak Djokovic.
Now, after his Australian Open disappointment, Tsitsipas is determined to regroup and rediscover his best form, while Badosa sets her sights on further success as she enters the Abu Dhabi Open as the second seed.
