Following a tumultuous match at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a significant change to his coaching team. Tsitsipas announced that his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, will no longer serve as his coach after what he described as a “confrontation” during the match. The 25-year-old expressed disappointment in his father’s coaching style and communication, particularly regarding his forehand performance. Tsitsipas emphasized the importance of direct and constructive feedback from a coach, signaling his desire for a more collaborative coaching relationship. Less than 24 hours later, he officially confirmed the end of their professional collaboration, stating that he prefers to keep his father’s role strictly as a father.
In this pivotal moment, Tsitsipas has opted for a change. His father, who has been a visible and vocal presence in his player box throughout his career, will step aside. Instead, two-time Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis will take over coaching duties. The Australian tennis veteran will now guide Tsitsipas as he seeks to regain his form and climb back up the rankings.
Tsitsipas, currently ranked 11th, aims to find a coaching partnership that aligns with his growth as a player. While the decision to part ways with his father was undoubtedly difficult, it reflects Tsitsipas’s commitment to his professional development. As he navigates this transition, tennis fans will closely watch how this coaching change impacts his performance on the court.
This was his statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my collaboration with my father as a coach has come to an end. I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father.
“Philosophy teaches us that wisdom comes through understanding our limits and acknowledging our mistakes. In my case, I realised that I was wrong to talk to my father the way I did.
“Tennis is not just a match, a hit or a performance of a few seconds. It is a long journey full of emotions, pressure and expectations. In that moment of frustration, there were many mistakes and errors on the part of my coach and father.
“As an introvert, I tend to hold in my emotions and build them up until I reach a bursting point. I consider myself patient, so the fact that I reacted this way left me shocked. My behaviour on the pitch was unacceptable, and I feel disappointed that I got to a point where I showed a dark side of myself.
“When I feel disrespected, judged, or emotionally attacked, I tend to lose control of what comes out of my mouth, which goes against my values as a human being. I lost control and could not see clearly in front of me.
“My father has been trying for the last few years to train me, raise me the right way and provide me with knowledge and wisdom, both on and off the field. I thank him for that.
“I thank him for the sacrifices, pain and suffering he has endured to make this endeavour a success. From now on, his role will remain within the continues of the father role, and that alone.
“My father will continue to travel with me and be there to support me and provide assistance off the field, as I have always wanted. I have trusted my father with the coaching role for so many years, and I consider our partnership to be successful.
“I’m not sure who will take his place, and I’m not in a position to decide yet. What I do know is that it is time to let this chapter and this phase close, and try to write a new one.
“We’ve both agreed to that and hope to focus on our human side first, then the rest. Accepting my mistakes and trying to mend my ways is part of my path as an athlete, and I assure you that I will continue to work hard to improve myself, both on and off the field.
“I hope this experience is a lesson for me, and for everyone who struggles to find the right balance in their lives.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2024
Ranked world no.11, the Greek played his last match on the 8th of August when he was defeated by world no.576 Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-4 in the 2nd round in Montreal (draw).
Until now, during this year Stefanos owns a composed 35-15 match record. The Greek clinched 1 title in Monte-Carlo. The Greek was the runner-up in Barcelona.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on the world no.667 John Isner in the Round Robin on Sunday at 6:00 pm on CENTER COURT. The head to head is 6-2 for Tsitsipas.
The Greek conquered 1 title in 2024 in Monte-Carlo. Tsitsipas got to the final in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell).
The Greek 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 is scheduled to play next in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of August.