Paula Badosa opens up about painful breakup with Stefanos Tsitsipas

Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa has reignited discussions about her high-profile breakup with Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas, offering candid remarks following her victory over Coco Gauff at the Berlin Open. The pair, once celebrated as one of tennis’ most beloved couples, ended their relationship in 2025, a split that became one of the sport’s most talked-about off-court stories.

Badosa and Tsitsipas first began dating after meeting at the 2023 Italian Open. Although they briefly separated in 2024, they reconciled just weeks later and continued their relationship, even competing together in mixed doubles at the French Open. However, their romance came to a definitive end after their Wimbledon exits in July 2025. The breakup was marked by public signs of separation, including unfollowing each other on social media and deleting photos from their shared Instagram account, "Tsitsidosa."

Reflecting on the emotional toll of the split, Badosa admitted that this breakup was far more challenging than others she had experienced. While she acknowledged that breakups are a normal part of life, she hinted that external factors had made this particular situation uniquely difficult. She described overcoming the negativity surrounding the split as emotionally taxing, though she also credited the experience with helping her grow stronger.

Badosa suggested that relationships can end amicably when handled with maturity and respect, but her comments implied that her breakup with Tsitsipas was anything but straightforward. The Spaniard’s remarks have added fuel to ongoing speculation about tensions between the two camps. Tsitsipas’ mother, Julia Salnikova, recently claimed that the intense media attention surrounding the relationship had placed significant pressure on her son.

In response, Badosa’s coach, Pol Toledo, criticized Tsitsipas and his family, accusing them of speaking excessively about Badosa and struggling with the attention she received. Toledo suggested that Badosa’s success and popularity had sometimes caused friction in the relationship.

Despite the personal challenges, Badosa’s focus on the court remains sharp. Her victory over Coco Gauff has secured her a spot in the Berlin Open quarterfinals, underscoring her resilience both as an athlete and an individual.