"I have no reason to hate anyone": Stefanos Tsitsipas takes measured tone in responding to Paula Badosa 'toxic' remarks

Monday, 29 June 2026 at 15:00

Throughout recent weeks, Paula Badosa has opened up for the first time about her relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas and how she perceives she struggled in their relationship.

She said that Aryna Sabalenka even celebrated in her messages when it was over as one of tennis' main power couples fell apart. Not much was kind of mooted about this until recently.

But she called it a toxic situation and said that the meme of the Wimbledon look down towards his father Apostolos summed it up at the time and still does. Tsitsipas though has taken a more measured tone to the situation praising his ex instead of bad mouthing her as Wimbledon approaches.

“There were many of them. I suffered a lot for a year, what I and the people around me went through was very difficult, and now, seeing myself well again and with that strength, it also gave me the strength to speak about what I went through — so that many people could connect with that story," said Badosa as per CLAY.

“Everything comes out in the end. But he is a person — him and those around him — that I do not want to name any more or dwell on. I simply wanted to make it clear, as a person, that I have character too. And when you sometimes let it out and close a chapter, you feel a little freer, and that is what I want: to turn the page and not mention those people again."

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“You can maintain a good relationship with an ex when it involves normal people and normal relationships. But when it is not like that… I do not need to explain much more. You can see every day how the other person makes everything more difficult."

“Other players confirmed it, because in the end, when someone is inside the tour, everyone knows everyone… In the end, I will put it more in terms of being a woman: people only see the injuries, right? But there were many more things going on behind the scenes, situations that are not visible.”

Tsitsipas takes less damning tone

But Tsitsipas was less damning about Badosa saying that he has been taught to not bad mouth people albeit that perhaps in itself is a shot towards the Spaniard depending on how it is perceived.

He said that he knew more than anyone perhaps how bad of a period she went through but that in reality he has no reason to hate anyone.

"I wish her the best for her career and her life. I have always admired her tennis and her personality on the court. I think she still has a lot to offer," said Tsitsipas taking a less damning tone.

"I know she went through very difficult times, especially because of the severity of her injury. It's not easy to manage such a situation when you are constantly competing. I think she is a good person, and I sincerely hope that we can have a normal relationship on the tour."

Stefanos Tsitsipas took less damning tone.

"I didn't get too involved. I just try to play tennis as best I can. There will always be people with different opinions, but I hold no grudge against anyone.

"I have no reason to hate anyone. My parents taught me certain principles, and I continue to try to respect them.

"I went through very difficult periods and even lost myself. I said things on the court that were not like me. That wasn't Stefanos. I feel bad when I see myself acting like that. I need calm and serenity. That's what I'm looking for most right now."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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