Montreal (AFP) – Stefanos Tsitsipas ended his long-time coaching collaboration with his father on Friday, announcing the decision on social media. “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,” the world number 11 from Greece posted.
Tsitsipas dropped a huge hint of the split on Thursday after losing 6-4, 6-4 to Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the ATP Montreal Masters second round. The 25-year-old, who once stood third in the world, complained in defeat that his father Apostolos was not listening to him and was not providing the proper coaching motivation and input.
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“Philosophy teaches us that wisdom comes through understanding our limits and acknowledging our mistakes,” the younger Tsitsipas posted. “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.”
Tsitsipas brought in another coach in 2023, staying under the wing of former Wimbledon and US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis for a few months before parting and returning to his father as mentor. The Greek has just one title this season, repeating as Monte Carlo champion for a third time. He added that while he has yet to select a replacement coach, his father will remain part of his team off the court.
© 2024 AFP
