Stefanos Tsitsipas paid tribute to his girlfriend, Paula Badosa, following her latest injury setback.

Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas sent a touching message to his girlfriend, Paula Badosa (Image: Getty)

Stefanos Tsitsipas sent a heartfelt message to his girlfriend, world No. 10 Paula Badosa, days after she was forced to pull out of Indian Wells. The former champion has been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks and said she was “sad” to withdraw from the Californian WTA 1000 event.

The Greek star is flying the flag for the power couple in her absence. After lifting his 12th career title in Dubai last month, Tsitsipas has carried his momentum into Indian Wells and is through to the fourth round.

After an impressive few months on the tour, Badosa has faced a fresh setback with her back injury. The Spaniard retired from her Merida Open semi-final earlier this month and had to skip the Eisenhower Cup mixed doubles exhibition, where she was set to partner Tsitsipas.

The 27-year-old tried to recover in time for her opening match in Indian Wells but, on Thursday, she conceded and withdrew from the event.

“I’m very sorry to withdraw from one of my favourite tournaments. I tried until the last moment to play. I am really sad and hopefully will be back next year,” the 2021 champion said in a statement.

After what’s been a difficult period for Badosa, her boyfriend has attempted to cheer her up with a touching tribute on social media. On March 8, International Women’s Day, Tsitsipas shared a sweet video of him and Badosa enjoying a winter holiday.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open - Day 5

Stefanos Tsitsipas is through to the last 16 in Indian Wells (Image: Getty)

“Happy Women’s Day to every woman carving her own path, embracing her strength, and lighting up the world in her own unique way,” he wrote, before adding a special message for his girlfriend. “Keep being the force of nature you are.”

Tsitsipas also discussed his relationship with Badosa after beating Matteo Berrettini in the third round of Indian Wells on Sunday. Asked about his off-court activities, the No. 8 seed said the Spaniard had started cooking for him.

“Lately a lot of cooking. I enjoy cooking. I have a lovely girlfriend that started cooking for me. I’m having a great time cooking and chatting at the same time,” he said on court.

“These are the small things bring joy to me. I like having walks. Little sort of activities on my days off.”

The 26-year-old already has another idea in mind, which would make a fitting date night with Badosa. “Maybe even playing mini golf,” he added.

“That’s something I had in mind. I hope I can go play some mini golf. It’ll be definitely be something I want to do.”

Tsitsipas will now face either Holger Rune or Ugo Humbert for a spot in the quarter-final. The Greek ace is now on a seven-match winning streak.

Meanwhile, Badosa will be hoping to recover in time to compete at the Miami Open later this month. The WTA main draw gets underway on Match 18 but she will benefit from a bye into round two.