Paula Badosa has spoken about the difficulties of her former relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Spanish player said the experience involved toxic elements that made the breakup harder than others she has faced.
Badosa made the comments after reaching the quarterfinals of the Berlin Tennis Open on June 17. She said she has been in a good environment for a few months but added that moving past toxic aspects around her was not easy.
The 28-year-old reflected on multiple breakups in her life and noted that toxic surroundings complicate matters beyond a normal split. She joked that headlines would likely focus on her remarks about Tsitsipas and stated he deserves the criticism.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and Badosa’s close friend, supported her after the relationship ended. Sabalenka described sending an audio message celebrating the split.
Tsitsipas’ mother, Yulia Salnikova, had previously called the couple a good match but said media attention became a burden. Badosa’s coach, Pol Toledo, disagreed and suggested Tsitsipas struggled with Badosa’s prominence in the relationship.