Stefanos Tsitsipas gives a blunt reply to the rumors linking him with Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic
Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters after losing 6-1, 3-6, 4-6 against Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas and Goran Ivanisevic (via X/The Tennis Letter/BBC)
Stefanos Tsitsipas avoided the rumors linking him to Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic after exiting the Monte Carlo Masters. The Greek star’s hopes of defending the Monte Carlo were dashed to pieces after Lorenzo Musetti rallied from behind to beat him in the quarter-finals of the ATP 1000 tournament.
Tsitsipas began the season very poorly but got back on track to winning ways in Dubai, where he claimed his maiden ATP 500 title. The 26-year-old arrived at Monte Carlo with confidence having won the title thrice in his career and twice in the last four years. He played his best to reach the quarter-finals but couldn’t get past Musetti, who claimed a 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
However, before the match, a Greek outlet Gazzetta, reported that Tsitsipas was preparing to hire Goran Ivanisevic as his coach. The Greek star has been working with Dimitri Chatzinikolaou, Greece Davis Cup captain as his coach temporarily after parting ways with his father Apostolos Tsitsipas in August.
After the loss to Musetti, he was asked by reporters about the speculation, and the World No.16 gave a blunt reply.
I’m not in a position to answer that yet.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said via Monte Carlo Press
Tsitsipas failure to defend the Monte Carlo Masters is a big setback. The 26-year-old has always played his best tennis on clay despite being good on hard court. He has proven to be one of the stars of the surface and last year defeated World No.1 Jannik Sinner en route to the title. He will hope to bounce back soon enough.
Stefanos Tsitsipas ‘heartbroken’ after disappointing exit at the Monte Carlo Masters
Stefanos Tsitsipas didn’t need much time to think what went wrong against Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo quarter-finals. It was obvious that he’s below-par serving was the architect of his loss. The World No.16 just made 49 percent of his first serve and in the third set made just 8 of his 28 first serves. During his press conference, he opened about his disappointment, taking the blame.
The serve definitely was the thing that kind of was missing, but also, it didn’t help me when I needed it. I was playing with a second serve. The entire second and third set, I was playing with just one serve. It’s difficult to accept. I mean, feeling so confident playing on this court and not being able to win a match that I felt I kind of had every reason to try and win is definitely heartbreaking.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said
Tsitsipas entered the tie against Musetti with a 5-0 lead in their head-to-head record. But Musetti capitalized on the Greek’s poor serve to earn his first win over him. The lost was Tsitsipas’ second since 2021.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has a chance to bounce back at the Barcelona Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has himself to blame for the quarter-final defeat in Monte Carlo. The Greek had won the first set without any bit of worry from Lorenzo Musetti but dropped his level after that. He failed to carry on the momentum after the Italian had increased the tempo of the game, which led to him hitting 45 unforced errors, including 23 off his usually reliable forehand.
That has seen him drop from World No.8 to No.16 as he failed to defend his 1000 points at the tournament. However, he has a chance to bounce back at the ATP 500 in Barcelona, which begins on April 14. He has reached the final four times there, including last year’s runners-up finish.
Now 13-7 on the season, Tsitsipas hasn’t been terrible but average. He has to find his form and be consistent with it. Winning the Barcelona Open might be difficult seeing that Carlos Alcaraz will play at the tournament, but he has a real chance of doing well.
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