Stefanos Tsitsipas cuts ties with father Apostolos as coach after rant over shock Canadian Open exit - 'I lost control'
Published 09/08/2024 at 16:07 GMT+1
World No. 11 Stefanos Tsitsipas will be on the lookout for a new coach after confirming the end of his working relationship with his father, who he criticised after an unexpected exit at the Canadian Open. The 25-year-old has had a difficult season, struggling at Wimbledon and falling to defeat against eventual winner Novak Djokovic at the Olympic Games.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that he will no longer be coached by his father, Apostolos, claiming in a statement on X that their tennis collaboration has “come to an end”.
The Greek star had been coached by his father since childhood and rose as high as No. 3 in the ATP rankings in 2021.
But they are now set for a professional parting of ways. It comes after Tsitsipas publicly criticised his father after a surprise exit to world No. 576 Kei Nishikori at the National Bank Open in Montreal.
"I’ve already been complaining to my coach about it for the last four to five days," Tsitsipas, who was also eliminated in the second round at Wimbledon, said in a press conference.
"That was also the reason why I had a confrontation with him during the match, I’m not used to it. For me, an ATP Master 1000 match is an important match.
"I need and I deserve a coach that listens to me and hears my feedback as a player. My father hasn’t been very smart or very good at handling those situations.
"It’s not the first time he has done that. I’m really disappointed in him."
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And just a day after his defeat to Nishikori, Tsitsipas confirmed the split with his father.
He wrote: "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.
"Philosophy teaches us that wisdom comes through understanding our limits and acknowledging our mistakes. In my case, I realised that I was wrong to talk to my father the way I did.
"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.
"My behaviour on the court was unacceptable, and I feel disappointed that I got to a point where I showed a dark side of myself.
"When I feel disrespected, judged, or emotionally attacked, I tend to lose control of what comes out of my mouth, which goes against my values as a human being. I lost control and could not see clearly in front of me.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas embraces his father and coach Apostolos Tsitsipas
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"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 endeavour a success. From now on, his role will remain within the confines of the father role, and that alone.
"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."
Tsitsipas, who lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, did not reveal who his next coach would be.
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He added: "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.
"What I do know is that it is time to let this chapter and this phase close, and try to write a new one. We've both agreed to that and hope to focus on our human side first, then the rest.
"Accepting my mistakes and trying to mend my ways is part of my path as an athlete, and I assure you that I will continue to work hard to improve myself, both on and off the field.
"I hope this experience is a lesson for me, and for everyone who struggles to find the right balance in their lives."
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