Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals new coaching setup after giving father ‘some time off’
Stefanos Tsitsipas has commented on his coaching situation, after electing to re-hire two-time Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis in order to ‘maximise’ his career.
Tsitsipas was spotted with Philippoussis at the ATP 250 event in Los Cabos last week, where he went onto win his 10th career title after beating Alex de Minaur in the final.
The Greek has been coached by his father, Apostolos, throughout his entire career and brought in Philippoussis last year.
However, after revealing that he wanted just one coaching voice Tsitsipas split with the Aussie back in May.
Since arriving in Toronto for the Masters 1000 event this week, Tsitsipas has revealed the reason he decided to make a U-turn on his decision and give his father a break.
“My father right now, I gave him some time off. He hasn’t had time off since I’m 12 years old,” said Tsitsipas. “I think for him, it’s very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again.”
Tsitsipas continued, “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.
“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’ biggest career titles have come at the Monte Carlo Masters and the ATP Finals, and the 24-year-old claims he has sometimes felt ‘stagnant’.
“It’s time to keep exploring new things. And I’m open minded and I want to learn as much as I can to maximise on my career because I have felt at times stagnant,” explained Tsitsipas.
“Mark is a parent himself. He’s not my father, but he’s been through a lot of moments in his own personal career that he can identify and capture better in certain ways. He is an incredible human being.”
The No.4 added, “He has helped me a lot. He has been there for me. Even when people didn’t see him around, he has been there behind closed doors in private. And he’s a big addition to our team.”
After receiving a bye to the second round, Stefanos Tsitsipas begins his Toronto campaign later today against former No.6 Gael Monfils.
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