Julia Salnikova Apostoli, the mother of the Greek champion, discussed Stefanos Tsitsipas’ relationship with Spanish tennis player Paola Bandosa. During an interview on ANT1’s “Breakfast” show, the former Russian tennis player described her son as occasionally unpredictable in his decisions but acknowledged his ability to learn quickly. While admitting occasional tensions with his father, she emphasized that their relationship is generally better outside of tennis.
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Regarding her son’s reconnection with Bandosa, she remarked, “It’s a decision that’s been made, and nobody sought my opinion.” Despite not witnessing Bandosa play tennis during their previous relationship, she described her as kind. However, she noted Bandosa’s lack of confidence and emphasized her need for support and learning experiences. Regarding Tsitsipas’ feelings, she stated, “It’s a complicated situation. Their shared profession fosters understanding, but the extended periods apart breed feelings of loneliness and insecurity. Time will reveal the strength of their bond.”
Julia Salnikova Apostoli, born in Moscow in 1964, was the top junior player in the Soviet Union. Despite the success, restrictions on travel and conflicts with federation coaches limited her career opportunities. She briefly pursued journalism after leaving tennis and later achieved a world ranking of No. 194. She eventually married and gave birth to Apostolos Tsitsipas.
