Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a big shake-up to his team by removing his father as coach.
The world No.11 has issued a statement on social media confirming that he will no longer work with his father Apostolos who has been his coach for a large chunk of his career. Tsitsipas’ decision comes less than 24 hours after he lost his opening match at the Canadian Masters to Kei Nishikori who is currently ranked outside the world’s top 500 due to a series of injury setbacks.
Speaking to the media in Montreal, the Greek unexpectedly blasted Apostolos and his coaching abilities. Something he has never done publicly before in such a manner. Telling reporters that he needs to work with a coach who listens to him and that his father ‘has not been very smart in handling some situations.’
“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.” Tsitsipas wrote in a statement published on X.
The 25-year-old has also apologized for what he said about his former coach, as well as his behavior on the court whilst playing Nishikori. During the first set, he was heard using expletives and ordering Apostolos to leave the court. Tsitsipas also received a time violation from the umpire.
“Philosophy teaches us that wisdom comes through understanding our limits and acknowledging our mistakes. In my case, I realized that I was wrong to talk to my father the way I did.” He said.
“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 behavior on the pitch was unacceptable, and I feel disappointed that I got to a point where I showed a dark side of myself.”
Apostolos will not be disappearing from the Tour and is expected to still accompany his son at tournaments but in a somewhat different capacity. It is not known who will become Tsitsipas’ new coach but he had previously worked alongside Mark Philippoussis. No comment has been made as to whether he aims to make any quick appointment or enlist a temporary coach during the US Open which will begin at the end of this month.
“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 endeavor a success. From now on, his role will remain within the confines of the father role, and that alone.” He stated.
“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.”
Tsitsipas has won one title so far this season which was at the Monte Carlo Masters.
