Tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa announce split in statement confirming they 'amicably parted ways' as joint Instagram account with 87,000 followers is taken down just minutes later

Tennis' power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa have split up, the latter confirmed in an Instagram post on Sunday.

From supporting each other's careers fervently online to posting regular updates about their relationship on social media, Badosa and Tsitsipas fast became tennis' most loved couple in the eyes of fans - but now their relationship has fallen apart.

Since the early days of their romance, Badosa has struggled with injuries that left question marks over the future in tennis. Tsitsipas was supporting the Spaniard during her recovery as she did with him, but the couple have now revealed that the relationship is now over between the two of them.

Badosa took to Instagram to break the news to her supporters as she asked for privacy for the pair during the break-up.

Prior to the announcement, they had a joint Instagram page and boasted over 87,000 followers.

But now the account has been taken down - with pictures of the pair remaining on their individual pages.

Although their followers will no doubt be disappointed with the news, the pair are hoping their privacy is respected in the wake of their split.

She wrote: 'After careful consideration and many cherished moments together, Stefanos and I have decided to amicably part ways.'

The tennis star went on to reveal that the pair will continue as friends, having chosen to move on separately.

Badosa said: 'We have shared a journey filled with love and learning, and it is as friends with immense mutual respect that we now choose to move forward on our own paths.' 

"As we transition into this new chapter of our lives, we continue to wish each other nothing but the best in all our endeavors. 

'We kindly ask for privacy during this time, and we thank you for your understanding and respect. '

Badosa, a 26-year-old who was born in New York City but represents Spain, has been ranked as high as No 2 in the world but struggled with injuries of late.

Tsitsipas, 25, was once the world No 3 - twice a runner-up at major tournaments. On both occasions, he lost in the final to 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Badosa partnered with her 'best friend' Aryna Sabalenka at the World Tennis League last December and Tsitsipas was seen rooting for courtside. 

Speaking when they first went public with their relationship last year, Tsitsipas told Eurosport: 'I feel happy and content.'

A kiss on the cheek in a hotel room and her styling his hair was something of a giveaway at the time.

'I haven't really felt that type of connection with anyone before. I don't mean to sound cringe or anything because that's the reality and that's what I am faced with,' he added.