Stefanos Tsitsipas says there is more ‘tranquillity and calmness in the air’ following a recent change made to his coaching setup.
The world No.4 has reunited with Mark Philippoussis who will take over as his principal coach for the coming weeks ahead of the US Open. Philippoussis originally joined Tsitsipas’ team during the second half of last season before they came to a mutual agreement to separate earlier this year. The reason they did so was that Tsitsipas, who is also coached by his father Apostolos, wanted to be guided by just one person.
Under a new arrangement, Apostolos is now taking a break from the Tour and leaving two-time Grand Slam finalist Philippoussis in full control. Somebody who Tsitsipas describes as a ‘big addition’ to his camp. The highlight of their partnership so far occurred earlier this year when the Greek was runner-up at the Australian Open to Novak Djokovic.
“You know, parents can get emotional sometimes, and I completely understand that. I’m not a parent myself, but I can imagine how difficult it can be at times seeing your child give it their all and to be going through so much during a match.” Tsitsipas said of his father.
“My father right now, I give him some time off. He hasn’t had time off since I’m 12 years old. So I think for him, I think it’s very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again.”
It is unknown how long Apostolos will be sidelined but he is expected to be present at the US Open which will begin at the end of this month in New York. He is a former player himself but never played at a level high enough to earn an ATP ranking point. Tsitsipas’ mother, Julia, is also a former player who used to represent the Soviet Union on the WTA Tour.
“I love him and I want him to be part of that journey that we have built together, and he’s not going anywhere. He’s still with us, and he’s still there following our path and journey,” Tsitsipas continued.
“But for me, it’s a time to keep exploring new things. I’m open-minded and I want to learn as much as I can to maximize my career because I have felt at times stagnant.’
“I have felt it’s a constant repetitive procedure that I’m going after every single time, and I really want to get to a new level where it kind of delivers a breath of fresh air to me.”
Tsitsipas comes into this week’s Canadian Masters high in confidence after winning his first title of the season at the Los Cabos Open. At the ATP 250 event, he defeated John Isner, Nicolas Jarry, Borna Coric and Alex de Monaur. The only player to take a set off him was Jarry in the quarter-finals.
“I’m taking only positives from last week’s performance,” he said. “It was a successful one with good matches, and also instilling that mindset of trying to get as many matches during the US Open swing.”
Tsitsipas is the fourth seed at the Canadian Open. Granted a bye in the first round, he will begin his campaign against French veteran Gael Monfils.
