Paula Badosa congratulated her boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas on winning the Dubai Championships title with a short but sweet message on social media. The 26-year-old secured his maiden ATP 500 triumph with a routine victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Saturday’s final. He needed just under 90 minutes to claim his first title of the year, wrapping it up with a powerful ace on his first match point.
Tsitsipas had lost all 11 previous finals he played in ATP 500 events, including the Dubai Championships in 2019 and 2020. He was determined to end the losing streak against Auger-Aliassime and did so in style, cruising to a 6-3 6-3 victory. It will see him return to the top 10 of the world rankings on Monday for the first time in 10 months.
Badosa, who has been dating Tsitsipas for around two years, was delighted with his latest achievement and took to Instagram to send him a heartfelt message. She shared an image of Tsitsipas lifting the trophy alongside the caption: “Once a champ, always a champ.”
Tsitsipas, meanwhile, said he was relieved to finally win in Dubai after losing to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in his previous two finals. He admitted that it was playing on his mind before the match, with the 26-year-old silencing his internal doubts to bring home the trophy.
“It’s a big relief that I’m able to hold that trophy after the third attempt,” said Tsitsipas. “It’s something that I had in the back of my mind, and I’m happy to say I accomplished it.
“To be owning a spot in the top 10 is definitely one of the greatest feelings a tennis player can experience. It comes with hard work and sacrifices, but I’m happy that I’m in a position where I can really celebrate.”
Before his semi-final win over Tallon Griekspoor, Tsitsipas revealed on Instagram that he would be dedicating the match to the victims of a train crash in his native Greece two years ago, which claimed 57 lives.
Quizzed on his emotional tribute after his victory over Auger-Aliassime, he pointed to his status as a role model in Greece and spoke of the power of sport to transcend borders and grief.
“I feel like in a way I’m responsible and I’m a spokesperson through sport, at least for my own country,” explained Tsitsipas. “Trying to lead good examples and positive things in the younger generation of my country, sort of providing solace and providing unity through that.”
