'Only she knows what her limits are': Stefanos Tsitsipas provides positive update about girlfriend Paula Badosa despite Rome Open withdrawal

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that his girlfriend, Spain’s Paula Badosa, is close to ‘100 %’ despite her decision to withdraw from the Rome Open. The 27-year-old suffered an injury during the third-round win at the Miami Open against Denmark’s Clara Tauson in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6.

That injury forced Badola to withdraw from the competition before the start of the fourth-round encounter against the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala. However, that was not enough, as Badosa was later forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open and, most recently, from the Rome Open.

Her boyfriend, Tsitsipas, who is also taking part in the competition and has already secured his spot in the third round after beating France’s Alexandre Muller in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 7-6, spoke to the media after the match and revealed that his girlfriend is closer to full fitness despite her decision to withdraw from the ongoing competition. The 26-year-old also stated that Badosa has finally decided to understand her body and that he is ‘happy’ that she is taking the required amount of time to return to the court to ensure no further fitness issues.

“I feel like currently, she’s very close to 100 percent but not there yet,” said Tsitsipas as quoted by Tennis.com. “I can sort of guess on the outside. I have been trying my best to support her in whichever way I can and know. Only she knows what her limits are. I think she’s being smart. She was very naïve and stubborn when it first happened about two years ago. She really wanted to get back as soon as possible. I remember telling her she’s rushing and doing things too fast. I’m happy that she learned how to listen to her body and knows how to respond accordingly to the pain and discomfort she might have. So, I’m happy she’s taking the necessary time that is required for her to be 100%.”