Stefanos Tsitsipas Gives Interesting Behind-The-Scenes Conversation With Father Upon his Return as Coach

Stefanos Tsitsipas fired Goran Ivanisevic after a partnership lasting only one month.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Gives Interesting Behind-The-Scenes Conversation With Father Upon his Return as Coach

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

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Stefanos Tsitsipas has found some stability after a challenging spell on the ATP Tour. The former world No. 3 has dropped to 30 in the rankings following a series of disappointing results. His short-lived partnership with Goran Ivanisevic ended on July 31, only two months after it began.

Speaking to the Tennis Channel after his opening victory in Cincinnati, Tsitsipas explained his decision to bring his father back into the coaching team. The stint with Ivanisevic had been marked by poor performances and clear incompatibility. The Croatian coach even criticized Tsitsipas publicly, calling him the most “unprepared” player he had ever seen. Tsitsipas said on Tennis Channel:

It’s great to have him back on the team. It’s one of those things that no one can surpass. We’ve worked together for many years, have very good memories together. It’s also true that the father-son relationship can be somewhat complicated at times, I don’t deny that. We’ve had better and worse times, poor communication in some aspects, but we’re not perfect.

Following the split, Tsitsipas reunited with his father, Apostolos, who had coached him for most of his career. Under his father’s guidance, the Greek had enjoyed some of his best results. The two had parted ways in August of last year after a loss to Kei Nishikori at the Canadian Open. He added:

I’ve opened up to him like never before, we’re working on that. I’ve never been so transparent with him before. It was important for me to start developing that habit, to be a better communicator. These are important things.

Now back together, the partnership is off to a positive start. Tsitsipas began his Cincinnati Open campaign with a 7-6, 6-2 win over Fabio Marozsan.

Stefanos Tsitsipas wins Cincinnati Opener

Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Fabian Marozsan 7-6(3), 6-2 in the Cincinnati second round on Saturday. His best performance in this event came in 2022, when he reached the final. The win improves his record against Marozsan to 1-0.

Stefanos Tsitsipas 2025 Madrid Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas (image via Instagram/ Mutua Madrid Open)

With this victory, Tsitsipas earned $25,140 in prize money. His total earnings at the tournament so far have reached $60,400. If he wins the next match, he will add $42,825, bringing his total to $103,225.

Tsitsipas is aiming to claim his first Masters 1000 title since Monte Carlo last year. In that event, he defeated Casper Ruud in the championship match. The Greek has been in strong form this season. He is also chasing his second trophy of 2025. Earlier this year, he triumphed at the Dubai Open. A win in Cincinnati would be another significant achievement in his campaign.

Stefanos Tsitsipas set to play Winston-Salem Open

The Winston-Salem Open has made a big announcement by granting a wild card to former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas. His participation is expected to be one of the main attractions of the tournament. This will also mark his first time competing at the event.

Stefanos Tsitsipas (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Stefanos Tsitsipas (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Tsitsipas is a two-time Grand Slam finalist and a 12-time ATP Tour champion. He achieved his career-high ranking in 2021. His major final appearances came at Roland Garros in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2023.

In 2025, Tsitsipas has already won one title, lifting the trophy at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February. His presence adds further star power to the Winston-Salem field.

The tournament will also feature several other Top 50 players. Defending champion Lorenzo Sonego and last year’s runner-up Alex Michelsen are among them. More spots will be filled through wild cards and the qualifying rounds.

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