Recently, the relationship between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa has been the subject of many speculations, and Badosa has now fired back at those suggestions.
The Greek player has had an interesting journey over the course of his tennis life. As a likable guy, he won the hearts of many fans earlier in his career, but over time, he has become one of the more disliked tennis players on the ATP Tour.
Some of his actions on and off the court have simply offended many people, which is why he is mostly criticized these days. Recently, he reposted a social media video that garnered many negative reactions from fans worldwide.
Many fans branded it as highly sexist, but Tsitsipas dismissed those suggestions, responding that he didn't see the video as sexist. Another instance was a recent video he made with his girlfriend, Badosa, in which the Greek appeared to mock the Spaniard.
This was also negatively received, even though it seemed to be some sort of inside joke between the two. Either way, plenty of people found it very uncomfortable to watch, but now Badosa has come to the defense of their relationship.
The 26-year-old didn't speak about the controversial video or the last instance but instead dismissed suggestions that they distract each other from their tennis careers. Both have had mixed results since becoming a couple, but according to Badosa, who spoke to La Vanguardia, that's not because of their relationship.
"Criticism is never easy to deal with, although sometimes we find it funny because people don't realise that we are two people who share the same passion. Sometimes, apart from separately, we also train together, so in the end we train as much or more than anyone else."
"I could understand this criticism of distraction more if it were with a person from another world, but being two athletes with a very clear objective, what I think is that people don't even know what they are judging."
They are both so committed to tennis that, if anything, their relationship should technically only motivate them further. They play tennis all the time and practice all the time, even together.
Another thing that bothers Badosa is when the criticism and comments move away from the professional side because then, to her, it becomes just respectful.
" Personally, what bothers me the most is that people talk about other people's realities. I can understand criticism of my professional side, of my tennis, of whether I lose or win, but linking that to something personal seems disrespectful to me."
As tennis players and public figures, Badosa and Tsitsipas will never really escape criticism or the opinions of others. Unfortunately, it's just how it is and her defensiveness about their relationship is normal.
Sometimes, even fans should be more mindful of what they say about others. For now, the two tennis stars will have to rely on each other to shield each other from negative headlines, and hope that fans will change their narrative.
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