Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a sudden decision to replace Mark Philippoussis on his coaching staff with his father. Tsitsipas underlined his dedication to their collaboration. He has always felt his father’s presence online despite their physical distance. Even though many have attempted to sever the link between father and son, he made it clear that he has no intention of doing so or pushing his father away.
The Greek tennis star initially tried out instruction under Mark’s direction, but he acknowledged it looked out of tune in many ways. Tsitsipas felt that he was losing his sense of self as a player due to the absence of his father, who had always been a continuous source of encouragement and guidance.
Tsitsipas expressed his thoughts in a recent interview and said: “My dad has always been next to me even when he was not there and people didn’t see him digitally, he has always been by my side digitally. He’s here to stay. I have no intention of ever changing my dad or pushing him away.”
He added: “People are always going to try and create rumors or try to destroy what you have with someone who is really close to you in any way or form. Mark is not a part of the team. I wanted to try with a coach and wanted to see how that might work. It was a little bit off-tune in many ways. Not having the presence of my dad felt like I was losing my identity as a player.”
As a result, Tsitsipas’ decision to team up with his father again shows how confident they are in one another. He is now competing in the Shanghai Masters and would like to surprise the field this time.
Stefanos Tsitsipas says his dad will always be a part of his team, no matter what people say:
“My dad has always been next to me. Even when he wasn’t there & people didn’t see him, he was always by my side, digitally. He’s here to stay. I have no intention of ever changing my… pic.twitter.com/i7bHuKhXBy
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2023
"My Dad has always been there" 🫶@steftsitsipas reveals his father is back on his coaching team – but his partnership with Philippoussis is over…#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/pbRsIslQG0
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 4, 2023
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2023
Now the world no.5, the Greek played his last match on the 29th of September when he lost to world no.23 Nicolas Jarry 6-4 6-4 in the 1st round in Beijing (draw).
This season Stefanos has achieved a 42-18 record. The Greek has won 1 title in Los Cabos. Tsitsipas was the finalist at the Australian Open and Barcelona.
He is also scheduled to play in Antwerp (European Open). The main draw will start on the 16th of October.
