When Stefanos Tsitsipas’ racquet fell silent in Montreal during the second round, a new drama unfolded.
The Greek player stated, “I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father,” a day after criticizing his father’s coaching approach.
Now that the initial commotion has calmed down, his girlfriend, Paula Badosa, has offered her honest thoughts on the situation!
In an interview, Badosa revealed that she was caught off guard by Tsitsipas’ decision to part ways with his father, Apostolos, whom he had re-hired the previous year.
“I found out just like you guys,” the former world No. 2 said with a chuckle. She added that she took the news in stride, remarking, “Later on, I called him and said, ‘Could you please let me know before the press next time?’”
Badosa, who will soon face Viktorija Golubic in the first round of the US Open, continued, “Look, I’m a very independent woman myself and make my own decisions.
Of course, we discuss everything, but in this situation, he wanted to handle it on his own because it’s a very personal matter.”
She empathized with Tsitsipas, understanding his need for personal space while dealing with family issues. “It’s a family matter, so I don’t want to get involved. I have my opinions, but I want him to make his own choices and grow independently,” Badosa said.
In June 2023, the couple confirmed their relationship and even started a joint Instagram account.
The 26-year-old player’s philosophy is clear: “I just want him to succeed, but if he falls, he knows I’ll be there for him.”
Badosa also discussed how she manages the sometimes chaotic dynamics between Tsitsipas and his father during matches. “I’m used to it (laughs). It’s part of the job. It’s a daily routine for them. I just step back and prefer to stay out of it.”
Tsitsipas wasted no time in finding a new coach after parting ways with his father. He quickly brought Dimitris Chatzinikolaou, a familiar figure in Greek tennis, on board to oversee his training in Cincinnati.
This new coaching partnership is anticipated to be long-term, with Chatzinikolaou also set to accompany Tsitsipas to the US Open. In a different interview, Tsitsipas provided further insight into his decision.
During the Cincinnati Masters, an interviewer asked Tsitsipas if Paula Badosa had any input in his choice to change coaches.
The 26-year-old player swiftly denied this, stating, “This was entirely my decision, not influenced by anyone else. It was a tough choice, and I didn’t actually consult with her, which might have been expected in a relationship.
I felt it was something I needed to think through on my own and process in my own way.”
This marks the second time Paula Badosa’s boyfriend has experienced a split with his father, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship.
The previous instance occurred in 2023 when Tsitsipas briefly hired Mark Philippoussis as his coach before reappointing his father. What will unfold this time, and will Badosa get a hint of it?