Tsitsipas Splits with Dad as Coach After Loss

Stefanos Tsitsipas has announced that his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, will no longer serve as his coach after a public fallout following his unexpected defeat to Kei Nishikori at the Canadian Open. The world No. 11 expressed disappointment in his father's coaching after the match, marking a significant shift in their long-standing professional relationship. Apostolos has coached Stefanos since childhood, but the recent criticism has prompted a reevaluation of their roles. In a candid reflection, Tsitsipas acknowledged his inappropriate behavior during the match and expressed regret for how he addressed his father. He emphasized the importance of maintaining their familial bond, stating, “I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father.” Despite the coaching change, Apostolos will continue to support his son off the court, a role that Tsitsipas values deeply. The decision comes on the heels of a series of disappointing performances for Tsitsipas, including a significant loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open and a heartbreaking defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Olympics. These setbacks have raised questions about his mental resilience and performance under pressure, particularly after a promising start to the season with a title win in Monte Carlo. While the split may seem drastic, it reflects a desire for personal growth and improvement for Tsitsipas as he navigates the challenges of professional tennis. The future of his coaching situation remains uncertain, but the focus is now on mending his approach both on and off the court.