Former World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas and former World No. 2 Paula Badosa were among the most visible couples in tennis during their relationship, but fresh comments from Tsitsipas’ mother, Yulia Salnikova, have offered a more complicated perspective on the emotional impact behind the scenes.
Speaking in a recent interview with BB Tennis, Salnikova described the relationship as increasingly difficult for Tsitsipas due to the intense public attention surrounding the pair. The couple officially ended their relationship in 2025, shortly before Wimbledon, after nearly two years in the spotlight.
The breakup came during a difficult sporting period for both players. Tsitsipas and Badosa each suffered opening-round defeats in singles at the All England Club, while their planned participation together in the revamped US Open mixed doubles event never materialised following the separation.
Badosa later partnered with Jack Draper for the event before withdrawing because of injury, while Tsitsipas also stepped away from the possibility of competing in the mixed doubles main draw in New York.
Two careers shaped by high expectations
Tsitsipas remains one of the most accomplished players of his generation despite his recent decline in consistency. The Greek reached two Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2023, while also winning the ATP Finals title in 2019 at just 21 years old.
The Greek spent several consecutive seasons inside the ATP Top 5 and qualified for the ATP Finals five straight times. Across his career, Tsitsipas has collected 12 ATP titles, including three Monte Carlo Masters crowns, while also reaching four additional Masters 1000 finals.