Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa has reopened the chapter on her publicized romance with the Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, labeling the environment surrounding her ex-boyfriend as completely “toxic.” Speaking to reporters at the ongoing Berlin Open 2026, Badosa did not hold back her feelings. Her explosive comments came right after she secured a massive comeback victory over world No. 3 Coco Gauff 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.
The couple, once affectionately nicknamed “Tsitsidosa” by tennis fans, initially split for good in July 2025. While Badosa had previously stayed quiet about the breakup, she used her post-match press conference in Germany to finally set the record straight about the emotional toll the relationship took on her life.
What Did Paula Badosa Say About Her Breakup With Stefanos Tsitsipas?
Badosa explained that while she is used to the normal ups and downs of dating, going to the end of her relationship with the Greek tennis player was completely different due to the negative influences around him.
“I have experienced several breakups in my life. I accept them and I know things are what they are. But when there are toxic things around you, everything becomes much more difficult than a normal breakup,” she said.
“You can have an excellent relationship with an ex, because they are normal people and the relationship remains normal. But when that’s not the case… I don’t need to say more. Every day we see the other person making things more complicated.”
Overcoming the Struggle to Feel Strong Again
The former World No. 2 revealed that the emotional stress had severely affected her mental health, even forcing her to take a temporary break from the WTA tour after the Madrid Open to find peace. However, after months of healing away from the drama, she feels she has finally rediscovered her inner strength.
“After Madrid I had to stop, mentally it was too much for me. I couldn’t find a way to see a light, but I’ve been doing everything I can. A year ago, I was in the top 10, and seeing where I am now isn’t easy. That’s the professional side. On the personal side, the process hasn’t been easy either, trying to clear a lot of things from my life,” she said.
“It’s been a few months since I got back to a healthy environment,” Badosa added.
“But getting past the toxic things around me wasn’t easy. But it’s something you have to go through as a woman, and I’m feeling strong again.”
“Now I want to see tomorrow’s headlines: ‘Paula attacks Tsitsipas….well, he deserves it!” she concluded.
The sudden outburst comes after recent public comments from Tsitsipas’ mother, Julia Salnikova, who criticized Badosa in the media, calling the relationship a heavy “burden” for her son.Â
“They were a good couple, but it was a burden for him. He was trying too hard. The constant photos, social media, and all the media attention gradually affected him. Although he said he liked it, internally, it was piling up,” Julia said, as mentioned by India Today.Â
