Apostolos Tsitsipas, father and coach of world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas, has admitted to being behind the wheel during a serious speeding violation recorded on a Greek highway. The incident, captured by traffic cameras at the end of September, showed the car traveling at 210 km/h. Apostolos attempted to take full responsibility, aligning with earlier comments made by Stefanos’s lawyer when the case first came to light.
The penalty imposed on Stefanos Tsitsipas
Despite Apostolos’s admission, Greek authorities have officially instructed Stefanos Tsitsipas to surrender his driving license for one year. The violation triggered an electronic fine of 2,000 euros and a mandatory suspension, as the car involved—a Lotus—was registered in Stefanos’s name.
Attempt to transfer responsibility rejected
According to Weekend Live, Apostolos appeared in person at the Attica Traffic Police Headquarters with proof that he had paid the fine. He requested to surrender his own driving license instead of his son’s. However, the Traffic Police rejected the appeal, citing that the seven-day window to contest the penalty had already expired. The commander clarified that, under Greek traffic law, Stefanos must personally hand over his license and serve the suspension regardless of who was driving.
Silence from Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos has remained silent on the matter, offering no official statement regarding the violation or the suspension. His lawyer, Thanasis Papathanasiou, previously commented on the situation.
“Regarding the incident that was made public, the car was being driven by a third person. The issue of the fine and the surrender of the licence have all been handled,” Papathanasiou stated.
Impact on Tsitsipas’s year
The incident adds to what has already been a difficult year for Stefanos Tsitsipas, marked by struggles on the court and his breakup with long-time girlfriend Paula Badosa. While he is required to surrender his license, it is expected that this will only occur once he returns from Monte-Carlo, where he is primarily based. Until then, the suspension remains pending, but the ruling ensures that he will face the consequences upon his return.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2025
Currently the world no.34, Tsitsipas played his last match on the 1st of December when he surrendered to world no.46 Daniel Altmaier 7-6(5) 1-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Currently, during this season the Greek owns a compiled 22-18 win-loss record. Stefanos clinched 1 title in Dubai.