Stefanos Tsitsipas makes desperate attempt in a struggle to stop parents’ influence on his tennis career

Stefanos Tsitsipas ended terms with his father and former coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas, in August last year.

Stefanos Tsitsipas makes desperate attempt in a struggle to stop parents’ influence on his tennis career

Apostolos Tsitsipas and Stefanos Tsitsipas (via Tennis Archive/X)

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about the challenges in his relationship with his parents. The former French Open finalist admitted that, despite ending his professional relationship with his father eight months ago, his parents are pressuring him to bring his father back into his professional life.

Even with new coaches, Tsitsipas’ results have been inconsistent. He won the Dubai Duty Free Championship earlier this year but failed to defend his Monte Carlo title. And, as things stand, Tsitsipas is not interested in including his father in his coaching team again.

In recent days my parents have tried to force me to come back into my life and I have to stop them. I have to stop them!

Stefanos Tsitsipas said in an interview to L’Equipe

Tsitsipas ended his partnership with his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, after the 2024 Cincinnati Open. The former World No. 3 lost to Kei Nishikori and had an on-court argument with his father during the match.

That controversy eventually led to the two parting ways a week later. Despite their difficult professional relationship, Apostolos continues to support his son’s career.

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ current coaches dives into the Greek’s relationship with his father

Kerei Abakar, the current coach of Stefanos Tsitsipas, spoke in detail to L’Equipe about the Greek player’s relationship with his parents. Abakar also serves as the technical director at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy.

stefanos tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas (image via Instagram @stefanostsitsipas98)

It wasn’t always easy for Stefanos to break away from his dad, who always took up a lot of space. To build his own team, to make decisions for himself. Now, he’s no longer a rookie on the circuit; you have to find the desire to push yourself a little more in training. There are youngsters behind him who are pushing hard on the circuit. You have to reinvent yourself a little.

Kerei Abakar said

Tsitsipas has admitted to having a difficult relationship with his father. Despite this, Apostolos Tsitsipas has claimed that his son has taken back all the controversial comments made about him.

My job is to make sure he finds his hunger again, already. Because his tennis has always been there. In any case, he really wants to play the leading roles again. And that’s why he’s doing a little more in training. Fred (Lefebvre), his physical trainer, sidelined for a large part of the 2024 season, is back. We have the “academy” team back and that’s very good.

Kerei Abakar added

Tsitsipas has experienced many career highs with his father as his coach. His most notable moments came at the 2021 Roland Garros and the 2023 Australian Open, where he reached the finals. Unfortunately, the former World No. 3 lost to Novak Djokovic on both occasions.

Now, with his father no longer in the coaching setup, Tsitsipas is currently working with Dimitris Chatzinikolaou and Abakar as his full-time coaches. There are also reports that the 2019 ATP Finals champion may consider hiring Goran Ivanisevic as his new coach.

Stefanos Tsitsipas retires in Barcelona

Arthur Fils moved into the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open on Friday. His opponent, Stefanos Tsitsipas, had to retire early in their quarter-final match. Tsitsipas stopped the match in the third game, with Fils leading 2-0.

Arthur Fils (3)
Arthur Fils (Image via X/Miami Open)

The Greek star took a medical timeout just six minutes into the match. After that, he decided he couldn’t continue. Fils got the win and now moves on to face Carlos Alcaraz in the next round.

Fils is seeded seventh in the tournament. He is currently ranked No. 13 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. If he wins the title, he could enter the Top 10 for the first time.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has been playing well in 2025. He has reached the quarter-finals in five events so far. These include Hong Kong, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and now Barcelona.