"Stefanos Tsitsipas is a champion & will always be": Paula Badosa lifts boyfriend's spirits with heartfelt "shoutout" after his shock US Open 1R exit

Paula Badosa recently offered heartfelt support to her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, following his surprising first-round exit at the 2024 US Open on August 28. The couple, who have been dating for over a year, have had their ups and downs, including a brief breakup, but they are still going strong.

Tsitsipas kicked off his US Open campaign against Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis but suffered a 6-7(5), 6-4, 3-6, 5-7 defeat. Meanwhile, Badosa had a strong start, defeating Viktorija Golubic in the opening round and then overcoming Taylor Townsend 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the third round.

After her victory over Townsend, Badosa confirmed during her on-court interview that she would indeed be playing mixed doubles with Tsitsipas, describing it as a dream come true. The duo will face Mexicans Giuliana Olmos and Santiago Gonzalez in the opening round on August 29.

"I am confirming that," Paula Badosa said. "I think hopefully we will play tomorrow. We are looking forward to it. It's really nice to be able to share the court together. I mean, spending time off-court but also on court is really special in a Slam. It's like a dream come true."

The Spaniard added:

"Big shoutout to him. He is going through a tough moment but he is a champion and he will always be a champion."

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas teamed up for the inaugural US Open Mixed Madness event during this year's Fan Week and emerged victorious.

Their match at Flushing Meadows will mark their Grand Slam mixed doubles main draw debut, following two previous withdrawals from the 2023 Wimbledon Championships and this year's French Open.

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Paula Badosa to face Elena-Gabriela Ruse in US Open 3R

Paula Badosa pictured at the 2024 US Open | Image Source: Getty

Paula Badosa was thrilled after her win over Taylor Townsend in the second round of the 2024 US Open. In her on-court interview, she praised Townsend, saying she anticipated a tough "battle" and was pleased with how things turned out for her.

"She’s a tough one," Badosa said. "She’s really tricky, really aggressive. She served really well. I know she’s coming from playing a lot of matches and has a lot of confidence."

"I knew it would be a battle. I’m really happy I returned well and served well. In the important moments I went for it. Happy it went my way," she added.

The Spaniard will face Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the next round on August 30. The two have met once before on the WTA Tour, with the latter holding a 1-0 head-to-head lead.