Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals the “frustrating part” about girlfriend Paula Badosa’s injuries sidelining her career

The Greek talked about how he has been supporting Badosa in her battles with injuries following a shocking withdrawal from Indian Wells.

Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals the “frustrating part” about girlfriend Paula Badosa’s injuries sidelining her career

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa (Image via Imago)

World No. 11 Stefanos Tsitsipas continues his fine form at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. The 11th-seed defeated local lad Frances Tiafoe to take his place in the fourth round of the maiden Masters event of the season. Tsitsipas won the match 6-3, 6-3 earning his first Top-20 win of the season.

Earlier, Tsitsipas had defeated Lucas Pouille (6-3, 6-2) to kickstart his campaign in the desert. Having made the quarter-finals in 2021, the Greek failed to reach the fourth round in the last two editions. But the win over Tiafoe takes him to the fourth round just for the second time in his career.

YouTube video

While he’s shown some great form, on a personal end one can assume he might be a bit worried. The reason for this could well be the injury struggles of his girlfriend Paula Badosa. The Spaniard shockingly withdrew from the tournament despite being awarded a wildcard.

FS Video

The withdrawal was unexpected given her appearance alongside Stef in the Tiebreaker Tens, an exhibition event before Indian Wells. The former World No. 2 on the WTA Tour has been struggling with injuries for a while now which has resulted in the Spaniard being currently ranked outside the Top-70.

Following his win over Tiafoe, the 11th seed talked about the injury battles of his girlfriend. He talked about finding the ‘right words and right things’ to speak to keep her motivated as the process of healing takes time. 

It does create a difficult time for not just Paula but me, as well, having to be there and keep pushing her to kind of get well and jump back on the court. She's kind of been in and out. The most frustrating part about all of this is that she did play a few matches, and then she didn't feel that well again, so it has been a tricky time for both of us.
Said Tsitsipas in his press conference in Indian Wells.
https://twitter.com/LavanyaVocalNEW/status/1764948512104386998 
But after a while, there aren't many things you can say, because you are confused yourself with what's happening with the body. I'm just there as much as I can to keep making her feel good that at least we are together and we're trying to find a solution together.
Added the Greek.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old has complete confidence in her recovery. He further remained assured of a successful return for her once she is completely healed.

Stefanos Tsitsipas to take on an old foe in the fourth round

Following the win over Tiafoe, the Greek will now take on World No. 32 Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round. The Czech defeated Andrey Rublev in the third round clinching a 6-4, 6-4 win over the Russian.

Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas (Image via IMAGO)

Lehecka, the 32nd seed, had defeated Brandon Nakashima in the second round to start his campaign in Indian Wells. The 22-year-old is playing in the tennis paradise just for the second time in his career and has made a good run so far.

This will be the third meeting between Tsitsipas and Lehecka. They first met in the semis of the Rotterdam Open in 2022 followed by the quarter-final of the Australian Open in 2023. Both the matches were won by Tsitsipas who currently leads the head-to-head 2-0.

In case you missed it: