Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has recently opened up about his significant decision to stop working with his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, as his coach.
Currently competing in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Tsitsipas addressed the complexities involved in such a major change in his professional career.
"Change is never easy in this sport, whether it's within your team or any other kind of change," Tsitsipas remarked. "It's always complicated when you make such decisions, and everyone feels a bit uncertain about some things. But it's important in these situations to keep moving forward and find solutions.
I also believe that it's crucial to focus on yourself and not get too caught up in what's happening around you."
Apostolos Tsitsipas has been a central figure in Stefanos’s career, guiding him from his early days in the sport to his rise as one of the top players in the world.
The father-son duo has been a familiar sight on the ATP Tour, with Apostolos often seen courtside, offering guidance and support.
However, as Stefanos's career has progressed, the pressures and demands of maintaining such a close professional relationship have likely contributed to his decision to seek new coaching arrangements.
Tsitsipas has faced some criticism and scrutiny in the past, particularly regarding the role his father played during matches, including accusations of on-court coaching, which is prohibited. This move may signal Tsitsipas's desire to establish greater independence and explore new approaches to his game as he continues to compete at the highest level.