"Soul mates"?

Surprising separation of tennis dream couple

In March, they played doubles together in Indian Wells, but now Stefanos Tsitsipas (r.) and Paula Badosa have called it quits.(Bild: Getty Images/APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW STOCKMAN)

"We are a couple. But not only that. We are soul mates." Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas uttered these words in June 2023 when talking about his sweetheart, Paula Badosa. Almost a year later, they unexpectedly broke up.

Badosa made the break-up public on her social channels. "After careful consideration and many wonderful moments together, Stefanos and I have decided to part ways amicably," explained the 26-year-old Spaniard: "We have shared a journey full of love and learning and, as friends with great mutual respect, we are now deciding to go our separate ways."

The former world number two did not give any reasons for the break-up and Tsitsipas has not yet released a statement. The break-up comes as a surprise, as the relationship was more than just love for the Greek, as he said in June 2023: "It's very rare that you find your soul mate. I have met many women in my life. And I can say that very confidently. I've never felt so attracted and found so much beauty and had so much interest in a woman."

Stefanos Tsitsipas (right) and Paula Badosa in Indian Wells in March 2024.(Bild: Getty Images/APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/MATTHEW STOCKMAN)

Both in action in Rome
Badosa was injured for a long time during their time together, but supported her partner and accompanied him to many matches. Last autumn, just a few months after announcing their relationship, the first break-up rumors emerged. All posts on her Instagram channel "Tsitsidosa" were deleted. However, the two were then seen together again at tournaments. Now the split is official. Both Tsitsipas and Badosa will serve in Rome this week - the tennis scene will now be following their performances very closely.