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Stefanos Tsitsipas sent his girlfriend Paula Badosa a heartfelt message following the Spaniad's defeat in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open. Interestingly, the one to end Badosa's dream run was her best friend Aryna Sabalenka.
A lower back injury derailed Badosa's progress last year, which forced her to pull out of many tournaments following which she lost her rhythm. However, the Spaniard's tenacious nature helped her overcome her struggles and she reached her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the 2025 Australian Open. On the other side of the net, however, was the two-time defending champion.
Badosa and Sabalenka were off to an interesting start with both women breaking the other's serve in the beginning. However, once the Belarusian got herself into the match, it turned out to be a one-sided battle in which the top seed won 6-4, 6-2. Badosa later shared a post on Instagram to reflect on her journey.
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"Life has a way of throwing challenges our way, testing our strength and determination. But it’s in those tough moments that we discover what we’re truly made of. Overcoming adversity isn’t just about enduring—it’s about growing, evolving, and coming out stronger than we ever imagined."
Paula Badosa's boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas reshared her post on his story and sent the Spaniard a consoling message. The Greek also participated at the Happy Slam but was stunned by Alex Michelsen in the opening round.
"You don't just play tennis. You play life, and you're winning at both."
The former World No. 2 also shared some highlights from her time on her Instagram story.
Aryna Sabalenka also consoled her best friend, who was devastated in the player arena following her heartbreaking defeat.
"I've learned to see the beauty in the journey, even the parts that felt impossible at the time" - Paula Badosa on her resilient return to the upper echelons
In her Instagram post, Paula Badosa said she's learned to appreciate the beauty in the successes and struggles that have shaped her to be the person and player she is today. The Spaniard had admitted, after her monumental win over Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals, that she was contemplating retirement at one point due to her injury struggles.
"I’ve learned to see the beauty in the journey, even the parts that felt impossible at the time. Those struggles shaped me, taught me resilience, and deepened my gratitude for every success and small victory that followed. They also helped me appreciate the incredible people in my life—the ones who supported me, believed in me, and stood by me when I needed them most," Paula Badosa wrote.
"Now, I find myself soaking in every moment, big and small, realizing how precious this journey is. Success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about every step, every lesson, and every connection along the way. For that, I’m endlessly grateful," she added.
Paula Badosa also revealed, during the post-match press conference, what she told Aryna Sabalenka at the net during the ceremonious handshake. Sabalenka will face Madison Keys in the final of the 2025 Australian Open where the Belarusian will try to complete her three-peat.
