Stefanos Tsitsipas was one of the many stressed Paula Badosa fans during the Spaniard’s opening-round match in Stuttgart. Playing against Diana Shnaider in the first round, the World No. 93 registered a 6-3, 6-4 win to progress at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
While the scoreline suggests a comfortable straight-set win, the reality was a bit different. Badosa squandered multiple match points as Shnaider refused to give up. With Tsitsipas currently in Barcelona, he caught the action on TV but with an added twist.
Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Images via IMAGO/ Instagram)
The World No. 7 on the ATP Tour was welcomed by Tennis Channel to tune into the match with his camera on. While he didn’t turn to commentary, he was still giving his take on various points that Badosa was contesting. As his girlfriend kept on losing the match points, the stress was visible on the Greek’s face.
I'm so stressed. (After ignoring the host's question) I'm sorry, I'm so focused right now. Guys, it's not my problem (smiling). Okay, let's continue talking, much better than this.said Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Badosa finally converted her fifth match point to register the win. Similar to Tsitsipas, she also looked stressed and then relieved when she finally got across the finish line. It was her sixth win of the season in her 13th match and her first on clay for the season.
Stress levels to rise for Stefanos Tsitsipas for Paula Badosa’s second-round clash
In the second round, Badosa will now take on her best friend and World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian finished runner-up at the event last year and is the second seed this year. She had a bye in the first round and will start directly against the Spaniard, having recently ‘ended’ their friendship.
Sabalenka currently leads their head-to-head 3-2 with the latest win coming in the second round at the 2024 Indian Wells Open. It was her third consecutive win against the former World No. 2 who has seen a dip in form due to prolonged injury battles.
With a huge difference in the current form between the two friends, Badosa will be the underdog in this match. Tsitsipas will be extra worried about this clash as the two players are currently separated by 91 ranks between them.
The Greek himself will be busy with his campaign in Barcelona. Having lost in the opening round of doubles, he will look to change his fortune in singles. A first-round bye has put the fifth-seeded Greek directly in the second round.
He will take on Sebastian Ofner in the second round. It will be the second clay-court meeting between the two players. Stef currently leads the head-to-head 2-0 against the Austrian.
