Stefanos Tsitsipas is a renowned Greek professional tennis player who has made significant strides on the ATP Tour. Known for his powerful one-handed backhand and all-court game, he has become a prominent figure in the tennis world.
Early Life and Education
Tsitsipas was born to Apostolos Tsitsipas and Julia Apostoli (née Salnikova). His father, Apostolos, hails from Proastio, Karditsa, Greece, while his mother, Julia, is of Russian descent. Notably, his maternal grandfather, Sergei Salnikov, was a distinguished Soviet footballer who played for prominent clubs like Zenit Leningrad, Spartak Moscow, and Dynamo Moscow. Sergei also had Greek heritage. Both of Stefanos’s parents are seasoned tennis players; his mother was a world No. 1 junior and represented the Soviet Union in the Federation Cup. His parents met at a WTA tournament in Athens, where Julia was competing, and Apostolos was officiating. At the time of Stefanos’s birth, they were working as tennis instructors at the Astir Palace resort hotel in Vouliagmeni.
Growing up in such a tennis-centric environment, Stefanos was introduced to the sport at a tender age. He began playing tennis at three and took formal lessons at six at the Tennis Club Glyfada near Athens. His father, Apostolos, became his primary coach, even studying tennis coaching at the University of Athens to better guide his son. In 2015, seeking advanced training, Stefanos joined the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France, balancing his time between France and Greece.
Stefanos’s educational journey included attending an English-language school, which equipped him with proficiency in English, complementing his native Greek and Russian languages. This multilingual ability has been instrumental in his global tennis career.
Personal Life
Beyond the tennis courts, Tsitsipas has a rich personal life. He is a supporter of the Greek football club AEK Athens and has a keen interest in vlogging. He manages a YouTube channel where he shares videos of his travels, showcasing his passion for photography and video editing. In 2015, during a Futures tournament in Crete, Stefanos experienced a life-altering incident when he nearly drowned while swimming. A strong current pulled him away from the shore, but his father noticed and saved him. Reflecting on this event, Stefanos believes it instilled in him a fearless approach to life and tennis.
In terms of relationships, Tsitsipas was in a relationship with fellow tennis player Paula Badosa from May 2023 until May 2024. They announced their amicable separation in May 2024 but reconciled three weeks later.
Family
Stefanos is the eldest of four siblings, with two brothers, Petros and Pavlos, and a sister, Elisavet. All his siblings are involved in tennis, reflecting the family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport. His father, Apostolos, served as his coach for many years. However, in August 2024, after a heated incident during a match in Montreal, Stefanos decided to end the professional coaching relationship with his father, emphasizing the desire to maintain a healthy father-son relationship.
His mother, Julia, has been a significant influence, given her professional tennis background. The family’s tennis legacy is further highlighted by his maternal grandfather, Sergei Salnikov, who was not only a celebrated footballer but also an Olympic gold medalist in 1956.
Detailed Bio Table
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Stefanos Tsitsipas |
Date of Birth | August 12, 1998 |
Place of Birth | Athens, Greece |
Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) |
Parents | Apostolos Tsitsipas (Father), Julia Apostoli (Mother) |
Siblings | Petros, Pavlos, and Elisavet |
Turned Pro | 2016 |
Playing Style | Right-handed (one-handed backhand) |
Career Titles | 11 ATP Singles Titles |
Grand Slam Finals | 2 (French Open 2021, Australian Open 2023) |
Net Worth | Estimated between $25-30 million as of 2025 |
Career
Tsitsipas’s professional journey began in 2016. He quickly made a mark by reaching his first ATP final at the 2018 Barcelona Open, defeating top players like Dominic Thiem before falling to Rafael Nadal in the final. This performance propelled him into the global spotlight.
In 2019, Stefanos clinched the ATP Finals title, becoming the youngest champion in eighteen years. He continued his ascent by reaching the French Open final in 2021, where he faced Novak Djokovic. Despite a valiant effort, he lost in five sets after leading by two sets.
The year 2024 was significant for Tsitsipas. He secured his third Monte-Carlo Masters title, showcasing his prowess on clay courts. Additionally, he represented Greece at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Greek player to reach the quarterfinals since tennis returned to the Games in 1988. However, his Olympic journey ended with a loss to Novak Djokovic.
Throughout his career, Tsitsipas has been recognized for his aggressive baseline play, powerful forehand, and distinctive one-handed backhand. His versatility across different surfaces and his mental fortitude have established him as a formidable opponent on the ATP Tour. As of 2025, he continues to be a prominent figure in professional tennis, with aspirations to clinch Grand Slam titles and further elevate his standing in the sport.
In summary, Stefanos Tsitsipas’s journey from a tennis-immersed childhood to the global tennis arena underscores his dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. His family’s influence, personal experiences, and professional milestones have all contributed to shaping him into the athlete he is today.
Year | Tournament / Achievement | Result / Milestone |
---|---|---|
2016 | Turned Professional | Started competing on the ATP Tour |
2018 | Barcelona Open | Reached first ATP final (lost to Rafael Nadal) |
2018 | Canadian Open | Defeated Djokovic & Zverev, reached the final |
2019 | ATP Finals Champion | Youngest champion in 18 years |
2021 | French Open Finalist | Lost to Novak Djokovic in 5 sets |
2022 | Monte-Carlo Masters Champion | Won first Masters 1000 title |
2023 | Australian Open Finalist | Runner-up to Novak Djokovic |
2024 | Monte-Carlo Masters Champion | Secured third Monte-Carlo title |
2024 | Paris Olympics Quarterfinals | First Greek to reach Olympic quarters since 1988 |
2025 | ABN AMRO Open (Rotterdam) – Next Target Tournament | Preparing for major tournaments of the year |
Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username | Link |
---|---|---|
@stefanostsitsipas98 | Instagram Profile | |
@steftsitsipas | Twitter Profile | |
Stefanos Tsitsipas | Facebook Page | |
YouTube | Stefanos Tsitsipas | YouTube Channel |
Latest News
As of February 2025, Tsitsipas has been inspired by his girlfriend, Paula Badosa’s, impressive performance at the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals. Reflecting on her success, Tsitsipas stated, “If she can do it, why can’t I?” This motivation comes after his early exit from the same tournament, and he is now preparing to compete at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, aiming to reinvigorate his season.
Net Worth as of 2025
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s net worth is estimated between $25-30 million as of 2025. His earnings are primarily from tournament prize money and endorsements with brands like Adidas, Wilson, and Rolex. In 2022, he earned over $4.2 million by winning 46 matches and securing two titles.
Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to be a significant presence in professional tennis, with a career marked by notable achievements and a commitment to excellence.
FAQs
Is Stefanos Tsitsipas in a Relationship?
Yes, Stefanos Tsitsipas was in a relationship with Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa since May 2023. They briefly split in May 2024 but reconciled a few weeks later.
How Long Was Tsitsipas in the Toilet?
During the 2021 US Open, Tsitsipas was criticized for taking extended bathroom breaks, with one lasting nearly eight minutes during his match against Andy Murray, sparking controversy.
Does Stefanos Tsitsipas Have a Sister?
Yes, Stefanos Tsitsipas has a younger sister named Elisavet Tsitsipa, along with two younger brothers, Petros and Pavlos, all of whom are involved in tennis.
Are Tsitsipas and Badosa Still Together?
As of 2025, yes, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa are still together after reconciling following their brief breakup in May 2024.
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