SUMMARY
- Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have been practicing together and spending time at the Australian Open.
- The couple have been performing well in their matches at Melbourne.
The second round of the 2024 Australian Open has seen the exits of a few seeded players. The women’s draw has seen more upsets, while the men’s draw is proceeding as expected. With the surprise exits, there has also been the successful return of players to the tour. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have ended their losing streaks with victories at Melbourne.
Tsitsipas had mixed results at the United Cup. Meanwhile, Badosa had started the year with a loss at Adelaide but has been performing well in Melbourne. The couple was seen sharing a romantic moment off-court. “I actually thought they would’ve broken up by now. Good for them though!” commented a fan after watching a video of the couple.
I actually thought they would’ve broken up by now. Good for them though! https://t.co/Cjao2euFOe
— hater first (@driver0ftheday) January 17, 2024
Fans were relieved to Badosa and Tsitsipas supporting each other. A fan commented, “Same, now seeing it wasn’t just a Netflix promotion, I don’t find them so annoying.” Badosa was seen hugging and patting Tsistipas outside the gym arena.
Same, now seeing it wasn’t just a Netflix promotion i don’t find them so annoying 😂😂
— LorenaPopa 🕵️♀️🎾 (@popalorena) January 17, 2024
Both players have been spending time together since the start of the season. Badosa has been impressive since her comeback to the tour. The Spaniard has not dropped a set in the first two rounds. On the other hand, Tsitsipas has lost one set each in his first two matches. He has entered the third round for the sixth consecutive year in Australia.
Paula Badosa shows off recovery at the Australian Open
Badosa was out for five months in the 2023 season due to a spinal injury. She did not play a match after Wimbledon in July and made a comeback at the start of this season. Although Badosa lost in three sets against Bernarda Pera at Adelaide, she has not been the same during the Australian Open. The former world No.2 has hit 54 winners so far in Australia.
Badosa was asked about her impressive recovery from the tour and her form in the first two matches. The 26-year-old sarcastically said, “Maybe my talent,” and then spoke about working hard. Badosa went on to say that she had accepted her new rankings and the condition of her body. She will next face Amanda Anisimova for a place in the fourth round.
Paula Badosa had a funny moment in press
“Do you have any explanations as to why you’re playing so well so quickly if you didn’t expect it?”
Paula: “Maybe my talent?” 😂 pic.twitter.com/7SK78TuIo7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2024
Anisimova, just like Badosa, has yet to drop a set in the event. She has hit 44 winners in her first two matches. The fans will be treated to a high-intensity clash in the third-round encounter. Badosa will be playing against the American for the first time on tour. Anisimova will have to look out for her opponent’s serve, which has been the main weapon so far.