The 25-year-old told reporters he was “disappointed” in his dad after his Montreal loss, then wrote that his “behavior was unacceptable” while revealing today’s news.
The elder Tsitsipas has been a visible and vocal part of the talented Greek’s player box for his entire career, but things came to a head in Canada.
The former No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam runner-up has failed to reach a tournament final since April, and felt his forehand was letting him down during this recent stretch. That was communicated to Apostolos, indicated Stefanos, but in his mind he failed to receive an adequate response.
Trailing 5-2 in the first set to 34-year-old Nishikori, currently ranked No. 576, Tsitsipas had an argument with his father, and asked him to leave his seat.
“I’ve been complaining to my coach about [my forehand] for the last four, five days,” said Tsitsipas to reporters in Montreal. “That was also the reason I had a confrontation with him during the match. I’m not used to confronting my coach in that sense.”
For me an ATP Masters 1000 match is an important match. I need and I believe 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 in him.
Tsitsipas was then asked if he would consider a coaching change.
“I really don’t know right now, but I’m very disappointed,” he said on Thursday. “The most important thing as a player with a coach is to have direct and good feedback. The coach is not the one that is holding the racquet. The player is the one that is trying to execute a game plan and trying to make things happen on the tennis court.
“I have the power, in some sort of degree, but it’s also a collaborative work that you put in together. So has to be reciprocal in both ends, in order for me to try to develop my tennis. It’s something I really don’t want to stay stagnant at.”
Less than 24 hours later, the 25-year-old announced that he’ll be moving on from his dad in this professional capacity.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my collaboration with my father as a coach has come to an end,” wrote Tsitsipas on social media. “I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father.
My behavior 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.”
Apostolos will continue to travel with his son to tournaments. Stefanos is unsure who would become his next coach, or when that decision would be made.
“What I do know is that it is time to let this chapter and this phase close, and try to write a new one,” continued Tsitsipas. “We’ve both agreed to that and hope to focus on our human side first, then the rest.”
