Stefanos Tsitsipas's reconciliation with Paula Badosa was much publicized, and the Greek's mother, Julia Apostoli, said she was the catalyst behind their getting back together.
Tsitsipas is a superb player who deserves praise for his excellent achievements on the court. He is a two-time Grand Slam runner-up and has won three Masters-1000 titles, all at his favorite tournament in Monte-Carlo.
However, the Greek No. 1's relationships off the court often generate more attention from the media, rightly or wrongly. Tsitsipas has had to manage that throughout his career.
The 26-year-old's relationship with his father, Apostolos, has been a point of contention for several years. He was his son's coach for several years, and many felt he held Tsitsipas back from achieving more significant things.
Tsitsipas' former physio said many players refused to train with Stefanos because his father wanted to control everything. The Tsitsipas family has taken legal action against the physio for speaking out, and it is unclear how that case will play out.
Last year's Australian runner-up split with his father after the Canadian Open. He had blasted Apostolos in a furious rant after his defeat to Kei Nishikori in Montreal, saying he never listened to him.
Tsitsipas' mother recently said that the Greek player understands he needs another coach after constant conflicts with his father. The former world No. 3 has a chance to build a strong and stable relationship without those distractions.
The former physio mentioned said the coaching change would have happened sooner if it had not been for Tsitsipas' mother, who allegedly made Stefanos feel guilty for wanting to move on from his father.
Although she has not commented specifically on the former physio's allegation, Apostoli does admit to playing a role in his relationship with Badosa when they broke up.
Tsitsipas' mother said she was by Badosa's side when the pair had split and spoke to her. Apostoli's words to the Spaniard convinced her and Stefanos to reunite and put their troubles behind them.
"Stefanos is happy to be with Paula Bandosa again and that's the most important thing. If he's happy I'll be happy too. There was a difficult period when they were separated, I was by Paula's side, we talked and that's how they got back together."
Fans will be divided about Apostoli's admission. Some will argue that getting the pair back together is a sign of a strong and active parent who is doing what is best for her son.
However, others might think a parent getting involved like that in her adult son's relationships is wrong and that it should be up to Stefanos and Badosa to make their own decisions about what is right for them.
Stefanos and Badosa seem happy together, which is great for both of them. The Spaniard played some of her best tennis in years during the North American hardcourt season, and Stefanos probably hopes she can sprinkle some of that magic on him for the rest of 2024.
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