Stefanos Tsitispas has described the inclusion of Mark Philippoussis to his coaching team as the ‘right fit’ with the former tennis player accompanying him at this year’s US Open.
The world No.5 has grown closer with Philippoussis in recent months after he was introduced into his team by Tsitsipas’ father and coach Apostolos. The trio were seen together at Flushing Meadows during a hitting session with Stan Wawrinka. As for how well they are working together, Tsitsipas says it is so far, so good.
“There seems to be a good balance between them. My dad has a lot of respect for him,” Eurosport quoted Tsitsipas as saying. “He brought Mark into the team. It was not my decision. I have a great relationship with him as well. I thought from the start that he’s the right fit.”
Philippoussis is a two-time Grand Slam finalist who finished runner-up to Pat Rafter at the 1998 US Open. He has been ranked as high as eighth in the world and won 11 Tour titles during his career.
“He’s the best-looking one from the coaches,” Tsitsipas joked about the Australian. “He attracts a lot of the opposite gender these days. That is kind of frustrating for my dad and me, but it’s okay. We’re trying to balance that out as much as possible.”
Jokes aside, the focus of the trio is on the upcoming US Open where Tsitsipas will be bidding to go beyond the third round for the first time in his career. In his four previous main draw appearances at the New York major, the Greek has won five out of nine matches played. To put that into perspective, he has achieved 17 wins at the Australian Open and 18 at the French Open.
Although there are promising signs for the 24-year-old who recently defeated world No.1 Daniil Medvedev at the Cincinnati Masters.
“I find the conditions here much more hot and humid than in Cincinnati,” said Tsitsipas. “My physical condition will be very important, starting strong in this tournament. I think we’re dealing now with best-of-five sets, which is physically very demanding.”
“Everyone fights for this one trophy, including myself. Everyone wants to push themselves to the fullest, to the maximum. The competition is going to be very high from every single player.” He added.
Tsitsipas will play Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galán in the first round of the US Open.
