Stefanos Tsitsipas seems to be destined for greatness and he has the luck of having the company of his loving girlfriend Theodora Petalas in his journey. During a recent interview, the world no.5 revealed how crucial the bond with his girlfriend is for him, how the relationship started, and when.
How Tsitsipas met Theodora
Stefanos disclosed that he knows Theodora Petalas for 3 years through some friends. The first time he met her was in New York, where she was the Marketing and Membership Manager for Habitas, a hospitality group. Eventually, Stefanos asked her for a date 2 years ago when he was in New York.
“We have known each other for three years, through family friends. We first met in New York and I liked her very much, but I was shy then and did not express my feelings. But two years ago, again in New York, I asked her out on a date. I asked her to go to Brooklyn to snap some photos and I think she liked that. I did take some photos, which to this day are my favourites,” said Stefanos.
Why Theodora is so important for Stefanos
Later, he talked about how important is his relationship with his girlfriend. According to the Greek sensation, she helps him to find some balance, a crucial factor for his profession.
“She is someone who has supported me a lot, she’s brought me great balance and I have a lot of feelings for her. I think she feels the same! Our relationship is something very special. The fact that we understand each other and have things in common, personality-wise, helps a lot,” he added.
Where is Theodora living?
Theodora is currently in London, and Stefanos admits that saying apart for long is tough. Theodora lives in London and Stefanos is often all over the world. Usually, a professional tennis player is traveling for 40 weeks per year and that is difficult for everyone. However, Stefanos is in constant contact with her girlfriend. Theodora is used to following him whenever she can. This week she appeared in Stefanos’ player’s box in Rotterdam.
“It’s a little difficult for us, because she lives in London,” said Stefanos about being apart for long.
“But thankfully it hasn’t brought us to extremes! She comes to some tournaments to support me and so we can spend some time together. She is my best friend! We talk every day, for two or three years now. I don’t think a day has gone by that we haven’t spoken, and our chemistry is very good. She also plays tennis, and when I play with her, it is my favourite moment on the court! It brings a huge smile to my face.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2021
At the moment ranked no.6, Stefanos played his last match on the 6th of March when he was overcome by Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(2) in the semifinal in Rotterdam (draw).
Currently, during this year Tsitsipas has achieved an overall 9-2 record. Stefanos Tsitsipas’s most significant result of the year was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open and Rotterdam.
