Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa says her split with Stefanos Tsitsipas reminds her of a former five-time Grand Slam winner’s break-up… as she breaks silence on why they parted ways

Paula Badosa has compared her split from Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas to the split of another high-profile tennis couple, as she speaks publicly about their decision to end their relationship for the first time.

On Monday, former world number 2 Badosa, 26, announced that she and Tsitsipas, 25, would amicably end their romantic relationship after almost a year together.

The pair had become one of the sport’s most loved couples, with the duo taking the name ‘Tsitsidosa’, creating a joint Instagram account with more than 87,000 followers.

Prior to the announcement of their split, the Instagram account had been deleted, but photos of the couple remain on their individual social media accounts. The couple has supported each other online in their activities both on and off the court, becoming one of the biggest power couples in the tennis world.

In an announcement on social media, Badosa said: “We have shared a journey full of love and learning, and it is as friends with immense mutual respect that we now choose to continue on our own paths.”

“As we transition into this new chapter of our lives, we continue to wish each other nothing but the best in all our endeavors.”

Recently, Badosa has battled a number of serious injuries that have put the future of her professional career in doubt. The Spaniard, who won three titles on the WTA Tour, had to shorten her season prematurely last year after suffering a stress fracture in her back.

Badosa has subsequently returned from injury this season and is currently in action at the Italian Open. On Tuesday she defeated Mirra Andreeva 6-2 6-3 before advancing to the last 64 of the competition after coming from behind to beat Emma Navarro over three sets.

After the win against Andreeva, she spoke to reporters at the tournament in Rome, comparing her and Tsitsipas’ breakup to that of iconic tennis couple Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov.

“Emotionally it hasn’t been easy the last few days, but I’m a strong person so I’m trying to deal with everything as best I can,” said Badosa, who is currently ranked No. 126 in the WTA singles rankings. , said after the victory to Andreeva, per IF.

“I’m very proud of myself and how I’m doing,” she added. ‘This reminds me a lot of the story of Mary [Sharapova] and Grigor [Dimitrov], where you meet the right person, but maybe at the wrong time. It’s a bit like that.

“When we were great, the relationship was great. Other times we have our own careers, our own things, and sometimes it’s better to part ways,” she said.

Sharapova and Dimitrov were together for almost two years before breaking up in 2015 during the Wimbledon Championships. Considering their status within the game, the couple’s relationship captured the affection of many tennis fans around the world.

The pair parted amicably, but it came as both faced challenges reaching the top of the WTA and ATP rankings. Five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova stated that she realized that her and Dimitrov’s relationship may also be standing in the way of continuing their professional careers.

Speaking about their breakup, Sharapova said in 2015: ‘It was then, in that moment, that the emotional attraction I was fighting against came to an end.

“I knew, and so did he, that I couldn’t be that person at this time in my life. I had to be focused and prepare for my own matches, my own triumphs and defeats, on the biggest stage in the world. My career.’

Dimitrov also said at the time: ‘I wish her much happiness and success in life and in tennis. Now I’m fully concentrating on the game and I’m sure the results will be visible soon… This is the summer of new beginnings for me.”

Men’s world number 8 Tsitsipas is also in action in Rome this week, taking on Jan-Lennard Struff in the round of 64 on Saturday.

The pair were previously described as one of ‘Wimbledon’s wildest couples’ after going public with their relationship last summer.

The pair were due to play mixed doubles together at the All England Championships last summer, but Badosa’s back injury had forced her to retire early during her second match in the singles round, forcing the pair to abandon their plans.

Badosa also made headlines last year after giving a number of lingering looks to her former boyfriend’s father during Tsitsipas’ win against Andy Murray on Center Court. She was seen staring at the back of his head as he turned to talk to her between points, promising some to wonder who was in charge of Tsitsipas’ coaching corner.

The pair had been very open about their relationship in the past, posting photos of each other on their joint account, showing them enjoying meals, holidays abroad and photos of the pair practicing on the court together.

Badosa had also strangely revealed during a press conference at Wimbledon that she had a sex dream about her boyfriend Tsitsipas.

She said: ‘Surprising because I never dream about tennis players, but I dreamed about him that night, that we both won the Australian Open. Then it was like we had a very romantic moment, but I’m not going to explain it. I’ll just leave it at that. (Laughter).’

The pair had previously spoken out about ‘being happy and content together’, with Tsitispas telling Eurosport that he had ‘never felt such a connection with anyone’.

He had also tried to help Badosa through her recent injury problems, with the Greek star revealing he was ‘trying to find the right words and things to say’.

“I’m just there as much as I can to make her feel like at least we’re together and we’re trying to find a solution together,” he said. Eurosport earlier this year.