Stefanos Tsitsipas announces major coaching decision on dad Apostolos after rant, issues emotional apology
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he will no longer be coached by his father Apostolos after criticising him following a surprise defeat at the Canadian Open.
The Greek apologised for the “unacceptable” way he behaved towards Apostolos during the match and thanked his father for everything he has done for him as a coach, but said he will now “keep my father in his role as a father.”
Tsitsipas delivered a poor performance in a 4-6, 4-6 loss to Kei Nishikori in his opening match at the 2024 Canadian Open in Montreal on Thursday.
The world No 11 shouted at Apostolos Tsitsipas, who was sitting in his coaching box at the side of the court, while trailing 2-5 in the first set and told him to “immediately leave” — which he did.
The 25-year-old then blasted his father’s coaching approach in a post-match interview by saying Apostolos “hasn’t been very smart or very good” at listening to his feedback and added he was “really disappointed at him.”
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The comments led to speculation that the pair’s lengthy player-coach relationship, which began in Tsitsipas’ childhood, may now be damaged beyond repair.
In a lengthy and emotional statement, Tsitsipas confirmed the split and expressed regret over the way he spoke to his father during the match, while explaining the decision.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my collaboration with my father as a coach has come to an end,” said the two-time Grand Slam finalist. “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. In that moment of frustration, there were many mistakes and errors on the part of my coach and father.
“As an introvert, I tend to hold in my emotions and build them up until I reach a bursting point. I consider myself patient, so the fact that I reacted this way left me shocked.
“My behaviour on the pitch 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.
“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 continues 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. 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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