“It wasn’t an ordinary relationship”: Tsitsipas’s mother details the emotional toll of the Badosa split

Stefanos Tsitsipas’s mother, Julia Apostoli, has spoken candidly for the first time about the emotional fallout from her son’s high-profile split with Spanish star Paula Badosa — a breakup that drew global attention both inside and outside the tennis world.

The former couple, who publicly confirmed their separation earlier this year after a widely followed relationship, have remained largely private about the reasons behind the split. But Tsitsipas’s mother has now shed light on just how deeply the breakup affected her son.

“It wasn’t an ordinary relationship”

In a recent interview, Apostoli described the pair’s romance as something far beyond a typical tennis-tour relationship, stressing how close the two had become during their time together.

“It wasn’t an ordinary relationship,” she said.
“They shared so much, travelled together, supported each other through wins and losses. When you invest that much emotionally, the ending is never easy.”

She explained that the intensity of their schedules — packed with international travel, tournaments, media duties, and training — made maintaining the bond even more complex.

Emotional toll on both sides

Apostoli noted that the breakup left a noticeable impact on Tsitsipas, who has since been working to regain his emotional balance while also trying to stabilise his on-court form.

“Stefanos felt it deeply,” she said.
“When you care for someone that much, separation brings a lot of emotions. That’s natural, especially in such a demanding environment.”

According to Apostoli, the pair’s busy careers made the situation more challenging, but she emphasised that both handled the split with maturity and respect.

A relationship the tennis world followed closely

Badosa and Tsitsipas became one of tennis’s most visible couples, with fans even giving them the nickname “Tsitsidosa.” Their social media posts, joint training clips, and public appearances made them one of the sport’s most talked-about partnerships.

Their eventual breakup surprised many, fuelling speculation across the tennis community. Through it all, both players have kept details private, focusing instead on their careers.

Tsitsipas looking forward

Apostoli expressed confidence that her son is now in a better place — emotionally and professionally — and is eager to move forward.

“He’s strong, and he’s growing from everything he has experienced,” she said.
“Stefanos has a big heart. With time, everything finds balance again.”

Badosa, too, has been working to regain her form and fitness after injury setbacks and has remained publicly cordial about her past relationship with the Greek star.

A new chapter for both

While the breakup was difficult for everyone involved, Apostoli believes both players will emerge stronger.

“Life brings these moments,” she reflected.
“Both of them will continue to grow, on and off the court.”

With both Tsitsipas and Badosa focused on their respective 2026 seasons, fans continue to wish them the best — separately, but with the same admiration they garnered as a couple.