Stefanos Tsitsipas reflects: ‘I prefer to keep my father as a father’
Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas discusses the emotional decision to end his father’s coaching role amid recent struggles on the court.
In August 2024, Stefanos Tsitsipas announced that his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, would no longer serve as his coach. This decision marked the end of a coaching relationship that had been in place since Tsitsipas’s junior tennis days.
Reflecting on the change, Tsitsipas stated, “I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father.”
He elaborated on the challenges of maintaining a natural father-son relationship amidst the demands of professional tennis, noting, “It has been very difficult for the two of us to have a natural father-son relationship during all these years of championships.”
The decision came after a period of mixed results for Tsitsipas. Following his victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters in April 2024, he faced early exits in subsequent tournaments, including a second-round loss to Kei Nishikori at the Canadian Open. During that match, tensions were evident as Tsitsipas expressed frustration towards his father’s coaching from the stands. He later commented, “I just want him to be my dad.”
After parting ways with his father professionally, Tsitsipas began working with Dimitris Chatzinikolaou, Greece’s Davis Cup captain. Despite the coaching change, Tsitsipas has continued to face challenges on the court, striving to regain his top form, shown in is first-round loss at the Australian Open to Alex Michelsen.
Inside the Baseline…
The decision for Tsitsipas to part ways with his father as coach shows the evolving nature of tennis careers and the complex dynamics of family relationships in professional sports. While family bonds are often crucial in an athlete’s journey, this move emphasizes the importance of personal growth and professional independence. Tsitsipas’ struggles with results and the tension during matches reflect the challenges that arise when familiar, yet emotionally charged, partnerships no longer serve an athlete’s needs. This shift opens a new chapter for Tsitsipas, potentially allowing him to redefine his game with fresh perspectives and a renewed focus. It is a tough shift away from what he has known since junior tennis, but ultimately, this decision could help him separate his relationship with his coaches and father.
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