“Reminds me of Sharapova and Dimitrov”: Stefanos Tsitsipas was ‘right person in the wrong moment’ admits Paula Badosa

Defeating Mirra Andreeva 6-2, 6-3, it was a different feeling for Paula Badosa as she sealed a first win in some time at the Rome Open and she had also had to adapt to being single again after breaking up with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Seen as inseparable for most of their relationship as the tennis power couple, they announced their shock break up last week and Badosa compared their relationship to Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov. They dated between 2013-2015 and she said that ultimately he was the right guy at the wrong time.

But like anyone dating somebody you work with, Badosa will still have to see him around and she will have to get used to that as she seeks the winning formula on the court after a year this week of sheer injury hell. She spoke to Tennis.com after her win over Andreeva about her relationship with Tsitsipas.

“This reminds me a lot of the story of Maria [Sharapova] and Grigor [Dimitrov], where you meet the right person but maybe in the wrong moment. It’s a little bit like this,” Badosa said.

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“We have a great relationship between us," Badosa added. "He’s a great guy and I wish him the best. I know that it’s the same on his side. I have so much support from everyone: my family, my team, my friends. I even feel support from his team and his family. They’ve all been very supportive of both of us.”

"In the end, it was nothing bad that happened. It’s just life. I know we’ll keep seeing each other on tour, and you never know what will happen in the future.” Next up for Badosa is a tie against Emma Navarro as she in her words steps it up further from the 17-year-old prodigy Andreeva to one of the best players over the last 18 months in Navarro.