Paula Badosa was a ‘burden’ on Stefanos, says Tsitsipas' mother

Paula Badosa. Pic/Paula’s Instagram; (inset) Yulia Salnikova; Stefanos Tsitsipas. Pic/Stefanos’s Instagram

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas's mother Yulia Salnikova has blamed his ex-girlfriend Paula Badosa for the Greek tennis ace's disastrous form in recent times.

According to British publication The Daily Mail, Yulia called the Spaniard, a former World No. 2 player herself, a "burden" on her 27-year-old son, who has seen his ranking plummet to World No. 75.

"It was a burden for him. He was pushing himself too hard. The constant photos, and all the media attention gradually affected him," said Yulia. Tsitsipas and Badosa announced they were dating in June 2023, and had an on and off relationship until July 2025.