Tsitsipas's mother, on Badosa: "Media exposure ended up being a burden for Stefanos"

The figure of Stefanos Tsitsipas has always been surrounded by a mix of sensitivity, talent, and emotional complexity. In an extensive interview given in Rome, his mother, Yulia Salnikova, a former professional tennis player, opened the doors to the Greek's privacy to explain how he has evolved in recent years, both on and off the court.

The Russian talked about Stefanos Tsitsipas' relationship with his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, his personal growth, his introverted nature, the struggles he faced during his childhood, and also the significant role that his current partner, Kristen Thomas, is playing in this new phase of the former world number 3, not sparing some subliminal messages towards Paula Badosa.

His mother's influence in tennis and the return of their sports connection

Salnikova recalled how she introduced Stefanos to the professional circuit at a very young age, even taking him to the Foro Italico before he could compete there. "Rome has always been a marvelous tournament, even in my time as a player. When the kids grew up, we brought Stefanos and his younger brother here. We showed them the tournament from outside the fence and told them where they should aspire to. And it worked."

The Greek's mother also acknowledged that a significant part of Tsitsipas' tennis identity comes directly from her. "The one-handed backhand, the love for offensive play, approaching the net, and drop shots all come from me." She also explained that during his junior days, she was much more than just a companion. "In his junior tennis, I was the one traveling with him, preparing for matches, and working on tactics and strategy. We were very close and understood each other without words."

However, that relationship changed over time. "As Stefanos started to grow, he needed something new for his adult tennis. For years, he doubted a lot about how much he wanted to listen to me. Sometimes he let me help him, and other times not. But this year, I feel his tennis attachment towards me again, and that makes me very happy." She mentioned that now the tennis player listens to almost all of her advice. "He listens to almost all of my advice, but I speak little, so he doesn't have to make too much effort."

Reconciliation with his father, Kristen Thoms' key role, and jabs at Badosa

One of the key points of the interview was the relationship between Tsitsipas and his father, Apostolos, after a period of professional distance. "The only thing that had to happen was for the initiative to come from Stefanos. And it happened." Salnikova stated that both have rebuilt their bond thanks to a lot of mutual concessions. "Now their relationship stands at a seven and a half out of ten. Before, it was a nine, but that was too emotionally intense and ended up destroying them."

The Greek's mother also highlighted that Tsitsipas has changed a lot in recent months and now even initiates deep conversations himself. "Now we have a completely direct dialogue. Before, he hardly ever started profound conversations. Now he himself suggests talking about tennis or other things."

As explained, much of that evolution is related to Kristen, the tennis player's current partner. "I think he has matured from all points of view. And her presence has also helped him tremendously. She has provided him with a very comfortable emotional life." Salnikova described Kristin as someone fully integrated into the family. "I feel like I've known her for 90 years. She is a very sweet girl, understands tennis, played for the college, and has also built her own career in marketing and representation."

She even revealed that they have a very different relationship compared to the Greek's previous ones. "Their relationships even develop in an epistolary manner. They don't just exchange messages or texts; they write actual letters. Stefanos dreamt of a relationship like this."

Tsitsipas' mother also discussed the tennis player's past relationship with Paula Badosa, hinting that the public exposure took an emotional toll on the Greek. "They were a good couple, but it was a burden for him. He was trying too hard." Salnikova explained that all the media overexposure eventually weighed on a naturally introverted character. "The constant photos, social media, and all the media attention gradually affected him. Although he said he liked it, internally it was piling up."

Bullying, his introverted personality, and his more philosophical side

One of the most striking moments of the interview came when Salnikova revealed that Tsitsipas experienced bullying during his childhood in Greece. "He was introverted from a young age, and the kids didn't understand his interests or his way of being. Yes, he suffered bullying." The tennis player's mother even shared how they managed to change the situation. "My initial reaction was to think he should resist and endure it. But my husband had the wisdom to say no. We simply moved him to another class, and everything changed."

She explained that this simple move completely resolved the issue. "The other kids wanted to keep seeing him as the boy they could attack, but in the new class, they received him with the prestige he was starting to have thanks to tennis."

The interview also delved into the Greek's more introspective personality, known for his philosophical reflections and social media posts. "Stefanos has a tremendous philological sensitivity. He loves words, double meanings, and comparing languages." Salnikova explained that he even avoids speaking Russian in-depth because he feels he doesn't fully master the language. "As long as he doesn't know a language perfectly, he will never engage in deep conversations in that language."

She also recalled a confession he made during a previous relationship. "He told me, 'Mom, my Greek isn't enough to express what I feel. I need English'." Despite all the public exposure surrounding the tennis player, his mother holds a very clear idea about him. "What makes me most proud is that he is a good person. I know perfectly well how he could have been and how he is not. He has a good heart."