Paula Badosa claims boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas is ‘easily a potential world No 1’
Paula Badosa has declared that her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas is “easily” a potential world No 1 and that “we will see much more” from him in the future.”
The Spaniard explained she “really wants to support” the Greek star because she feels “there are no limits to his potential.”
Tsitsipas currently sits seventh in the ATP Rankings, having reached a career-high spot of world No 3 for the first time in August 2021.
The 25-year-old holds a 40-16 record in 2023, but has arguably not been at his best for much of the season. He has endured a poor run of form at the three events he has played since winning his only title of the year in Los Cabos last month.
The two-time major finalist lost his opening match in Toronto to Gael Monfils and his second match in Cincinnati to Hubert Hurkacz. He was then upset in five sets by world No 128 Dominic Stricker in the second round of the US Open last week.
In an interview with Clay, Badosa revealed she was an admirer of Tsitsipas’ game before the pair were together and thinks he can reach the very top.
“Before I even met him I loved how he played, his charisma on court. He’s a fighter, he has variety in his game. He is a potential number one, easily. He is one of the best players in the world, but I think he hasn’t reached his limit yet,” said the 25-year-old.
“He has so much inside him and for sure we will see much more in the future. That’s why I really want to support him, because I think there are no limits to his potential.”
The world No 48, who is out of action due to a stress fracture in one of her vertebrae, said she will travel with the Greek for the rest of the season.
“Yeah, that’s my plan. I want to be with him as much as he wants to. We have an incredible relationship, first of all we’re best friends and I think that’s very important,” said the 25-year-old.
“I play tennis, so I really understand the moments. The frustration he can have, the pressure he can deal with. I just want him to know that I’m there for him. On the weeks that I can’t play, like I now, I’m gonna be with him. When I start my rehab and recovery, I’ll go back home.”
Badosa, who has been unable to compete since Wimbledon, also gave an update on her injury.
“My injury is not good right now. You need time to recover from a stress fracture and it’s a long process. I hope to be ready in January. Right now I shouldn’t move because it’s the spine and it’s very delicate. Hopefully I can be healthy enough to be in the Australian Open and play mixed doubles with Stefanos,” she added.
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