This week, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa grace the cover of the Spanish magazine “Hola.” With Badosa’s season over, she accompanied her Greek partner to Paris, where he continued competing, and the magazine photoshoot took place in the French capital.
The two tennis stars spent several hours on the photoshoot, taking shots around various Paris landmarks and at a central hotel, while also sharing intimate details about their relationship.
“I’d say the first time I noticed Paula was at the 2020 Australian Open, watching her play on Center Court. I was entranced, and I remember thinking to myself that one day, we’d be together,” Tsitsipas shared, recounting the moment he first spotted his partner.
For her part, Badosa noticed Tsitsipas three years later, in 2023. “I met Stefanos just after my injury. It was one of the toughest times for me because I’d never spent so many months off the court. He brought me happiness, support, and the fresh air I so desperately needed. I truly felt lucky to find a bit of light in such a dark period.”
Badosa also discussed their shared priorities: “We both know our priorities. We want to look after each other and eventually share a home, but tennis comes first for both of us. We’ve each fought hard to be among the world’s best at what we do, and we need to honor that. We understand that there will be time to enjoy everything else as a couple later on.”
Tsitsipas explained, “Our lifestyles are very similar. Being dedicated to the same career, we empathize with each other. I think we’ve experienced similar things, which has shaped us into like-minded people. Our lives have paralleled from the moment we picked up a racket as kids. I come from a country without a deep tennis history, so this journey to meet Paula wasn’t easy. Without tennis, we probably wouldn’t have met, so we have to honor what brought us together.”
The Greek player admires Badosa’s resilience and sees her as similar to his mother: “Strong women are the most attractive and admirable to me. In some ways, she reminds me of my mom. I feel incredibly connected to Paula like she’s my person. I think that means we’re made for each other, with a kind of connection that grows even through conflict and intensity.”
Badosa also expressed her admiration for her partner, saying, “He’s someone who stands out with incredible talents, which I love. He’s very hard-working and has a clear sense of what he wants in life, which I also admire. Beyond love, I respect everything he does daily. We have so much empathy for each other, always stepping into each other’s shoes and listening.”
