After ending his professional partnership with his dad, Stefanos Tsitsipas has admitted that it was “difficult” for them to have a normal relationship.
The world No. 11 had been coached by his father Apostolos since he was a child. But they publicly and dramatically split this summer after Tsitsipas called him out following a defeat.
After having a few months to reflect, the Greek star confessed that they had to stop working together to “save” their relationship and have a healthier bond.
Tsitsipas and his dad have had a tumultuous coaching partnership. Their mid-match spats became infamous, as the 26-year-old often argued with his parents in his box and even kicked them out at times.
Things came to a head when Tsitsipas lost his opening match in Canada this year, again rowing with Apostolos in his box.
He later said: “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 at him.”
A day later, the world No. 11 apologised for his comments and announced that his dad would no longer be coaching him. Tsitsipas has now reflected on their working relationship, admitting he had been wanting to fire his father for a while.
“My father has probably been the core of my entire life, not only in tennis, but also in my day-to-day life,” the 11-time title winner told Hola.
“He has been a very important figure, but I had already felt on several occasions that need to move forward professionally without him.
“Obviously, he is one of the people largely responsible for my successes so far, but I also need to explore my own limits, have my own story and embark on a different journey in which to continue learning.”
Tsitsipas doesn’t just see it as the right decision for his career. The former world No. 3 also believes it will help them work on their father-son relationship after their work together made things strained.
He continued: “It has been very difficult for the two of us to have a natural father-son relationship during all these years of championships.
“That was also one of the main reasons why I decided to part ways with him as a coach.
“Ultimately, it can also be understood as a way to save our relationship and build something healthy in the future.”
Since Apostolos stepped down as the head coach, Tsitsipas has been working with Dimitris Chatzinikolaou.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk