Stefanos Tsitisipas has spoken of his disappointment after calling out both his father and his coach following his shock exit from the Canadian Open in Montreal.
The Greek tennis star, ranked 11th in the world, was dumped out of the tournament by Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori, who won 6-4, 6-4 in their first-round clash.
Tsitsipas was seen remonstrating with his father Apostolos, who also operates as his coach, during the match at one stage. And Tsitsipas took aim at his dad for refusing to listen to his feedback, adding he was “really disappointed” with his behaviour.
I’ve already been complaining to my coach about it [not being able to perform with his forehand] for the last four or five days,” Tsitsipas said. “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 at him.
Tsitsipas has already moved to remove his dad as his coach once already, with the pair parting ways in 2023 after he hired former pro Mark Philippoussis, who had worked with the team on a trial basis.
That change in personnel came after reports of tension between Tsitsipas and his team, as he has previously smacked balls and smashed rackets near his dad. However, Philippoussis was sacked just two months later and the Greek, 25, claimed his father was “here to stay”.
But now, he doesn’t appear to be so certain after refusing to confirm whether he would consider replacing his father for a second time.
I really don’t know right now if I’d consider any changes, but I’m really disappointed,” Tsitsipas added. “The most important thing for a player is to have direct and good feedback from a coach.
“The coach is not the one holding a racket. The player is the one trying to execute a game plan. It’s a collaborative work that you put in together.
“It has to be reciprocal in order for me to try to develop my tennis. It’s something I don’t want to get stuck at that.”
