Romance to take Centre Court at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Affectionately known as Tsitsidosa, Badosa and Tsitsipas will both compete in Dubai this month, marking the first time the two have played here in the same season. While Spain's World No10 Badosa has competed at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for each of the past three years, Greece-born Tsitsipas's last appearance in Dubai was somewhat surprisingly in 2020 when the now-World No11 reached the final for a second consecutive year.
Badosa arrives for the emirate's WTA 1000 event having reached her first Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne last month. The 27-year-old eventually lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the last-four showdown but will take great belief from her fortnight Down Under. Yet to progress past the first round in three attempts in Dubai, Badosa will be looking to pick up where she left off in Melbourne when action gets under way on February 16.
Tsitsipas watched Badosa from the stands at the Rod Laver Arena, giving encouragement and –when appropriate – advice. He later said he took great inspiration from his off-court partner's performances.
'Her success gives me a lot of motivation – it was really impressive and deserved,' he said. 'I felt privileged that I could give her some small advice to help her on route to the semifinals. She gave me the freedom to give some feedback and tips. Through my advice to her, I also learned things about myself in terms of tennis and how I see the court and how I approach my own game. It pushes me on.'
Tsitsipas's form has noticeably waned in the past 18 months, failing to qualify for the 2024 ATP Finals after five consecutive appearances and losing his opening round match in Melbourne to World No37 Alex Michelsen. Without a Tour title now since the ATP Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo last April, he will be looking to kickstart his season on a court that has historically treated him well.
The two-time Grand Slam finalist reached the Dubai final in both 2019 and 2020, losing to first Roger Federer and then Novak Djokovic. Can the Greek make it third-time lucky? Time will tell when the ATP 500 event gets under way on February 24.
With the couple needing to ensure they find the right balance between their professional and personal lives, the blossoming relationship add an extra layer of intrigue to this year's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships: Will love prove a lucky charm or an emotional challenge too tough to overcome?
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