Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis sensation, made headlines during the ATP Montreal Masters when he publicly clashed with his father and coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas. The incident occurred during a second-round match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori, where Tsitsipas suffered a 6-4, 6-4 defeat in just 78 minutes.
Background: A Rocky Relationship
Tsitsipas and his father have a history of tension. Apostolos has been his mentor since childhood, but their relationship has been fraught with disagreements. In late 2022, Tsitsipas briefly brought former US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis onto his team, only for the partnership to dissolve in May 2023. Apostolos returned, resuming his role as coach.
The Outburst: “Not Very Smart”
During the first set of the Montreal match, Tsitsipas reached a breaking point. Visibly upset, he interrupted the game and asked his father to leave the player’s box. Apostolos complied, leaving the stadium. Tsitsipas later expressed his frustration, saying, “I need and I deserve a coach that listens to me and hears my feedback as a player.
My father hasn’t been very smart or very good at handling those situations, it’s not the first time he has done that. I’m really disappointed at him. I really don’t know right now if I’d consider any changes, but I’m really disappointed. The most important thing for a player is to have direct and good feedback from a coach.
The coach is not the one holding a racket. The player is the one trying to execute a game plan. It’s a collaborative work that you put in together. It has to be reciprocal in order for me to try to develop my tennis. It’s something I don’t want to get stuck at that.”
A Rocky Road Ahead?
Tsitsipas’ outburst highlights the challenges of balancing family dynamics with professional coaching. As he navigates his career, the question remains: Will he continue with his father as coach, or seek a different path to elevate his game?
In the world of tennis, where emotions run high and pressure mounts, Tsitsipas’ public confrontation serves as a reminder that even the most talented players face internal struggles. As he reflects on this incident, he may find clarity on how to move forward and regain his winning form.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2024
Ranked no.11, the Greek played his last match on the 8th of August when he lost to world no.576 Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-4 in the 2nd round in Montreal (draw).
This year the Greek owns a compiled 35-15 win-loss record. Tsitsipas conquered 1 title in Monte-Carlo. Stefanos got to the final in Barcelona.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will come up against the world no.667 John Isner in the Round Robin on Sunday at 6:00 pm on CENTER COURT. Their head to head is 6-2 for Tsitsipas.
The Greek has won 1 title in 2024 in Monte-Carlo. Stefanos got to the final in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell).
Tsitsipas won 12 titles in his career: 1 on hard courts, 5 on clay courts, 5 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Tsitsipas has scheduled to play next in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of August.