Paula Badosa secured a hard-fought victory over Marta Kostyuk in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Spanish player battled not only her opponent but also challenging windy conditions throughout the match. Despite taking an early lead with a 6-4 win in the first set, Badosa found herself trailing 0-5 in the second set. It was at this point that she turned to her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, for support.
Tsitsipas, a professional tennis player himself, was present in her player box, offering encouragement and advice. However, his attempt to calm Badosa during the match did not go as planned, leading to a playful yet tense interaction between them. At one moment, Badosa humorously gestured for Tsitsipas to come on the court and play for her, highlighting the intensity of the moment.
Badosa managed to regain her composure and won four games in a row to even the second set, although Kostyuk eventually took it 6-4. In the decisive third set, Badosa’s determination and powerful play saw her clinch victory with a 6-3 win, advancing to the fourth round of the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Badosa expressed her gratitude for Tsitsipas’ support. She mentioned how having him by her side was invaluable and that he was more nervous than she was during the match. Despite his own early exit from the tournament, Tsitsipas remained a pillar of support for Badosa, who is now set to face either Jessica Pegula or Olga Danilovic in the next round.
The Spaniard’s resilience and mental fortitude were evident in her performance as she navigated both external conditions and internal pressures to secure her place in the tournament’s later stages. What added to the match’s drama was the dynamic between Badosa and Tsitsipas, a testament to their unique relationship and mutual support.
Overall, Badosa’s victory against Kostyuk was not just a testament to her skill but also to the crucial support system that Tsitsipas represents in her tennis career. As the tournament progresses, Badosa’s performance will continue to be a focal point, with Tsitsipas likely cheering her on from the sidelines.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2025
At the moment ranked no.12, the Greek played his last match on the 13th of January when he surrendered to world no.42 Alex Michelsen 7-5 6-3 2-6 6-4 in the 1st round of the Australian Open (draw).
This year the Greek owns a composed 1-2 record.
