Stefanos Tsitsipas, one of the most dynamic players in modern tennis, has broken his silence about a pivotal change in his career: parting ways with his long-time coach and father, Apostolos Tsitsipas. After years of success under his father’s guidance, the Greek star revealed the emotional and practical reasons behind the split in a candid interview on Caroline Garcia’s Tennis Insider Podcast.
Years of tension, love, and difficult decisions
For years, tennis fans and analysts alike urged Tsitsipas to seek a more experienced coach, citing frustrations with Apostolos’ on-court involvement and tactical decisions. However, the bond of family made the decision agonizing for the 26-year-old.
“I chose to stop collaborating with my father because I saw many things that were tiring to him. He didn’t have the same energy levels that he used to,” Tsitsipas explained.
Reflecting on his decision, the two-time Grand Slam finalist admitted that breaking the professional relationship hurt his father deeply:
“Perhaps he was making mistakes more often than normal, and I was already thinking for years I wanted to take my own route, but it was difficult to disconnect and let go of my father. Doing that to him hurt him so much. It’s just difficult to cut him.”
A strained balance between business and family
The split has also led Tsitsipas to reflect on how their relationship evolved over the years, transitioning from familial to transactional.
“I’m in touch with him. I want him to be my father. I lost that value of having a father. It had become more of a business relationship,” he said.
Tsitsipas praised Apostolos as a “man of honor” who was willing to admit mistakes and accept responsibility. Despite their professional separation, Tsitsipas emphasized the invaluable lessons his father imparted:
“He showed me the way for so many years, how to go and how to try and do it. He was not always wrong, but he admitted doing wrong and accepted mistakes. He’s been a great support for me.”
The challenge of stepping out on his own
The decision to split from his father wasn’t just a professional challenge but also a deeply personal one, complicated by family dynamics. Reports suggest that Stefanos’ mother played a significant role in delaying the split, making him feel guilty by reminding him of all his father had done for him in tennis and life.
This tension even led to legal action against one of Tsitsipas’ former physiotherapists, who claimed Stefanos had wanted to separate from Apostolos for years but was held back by family pressure.
A rough start to a new chapter
While Tsitsipas has embarked on this new journey, his 2025 season hasn’t started as planned. The Greek star suffered a surprising first-round loss to rising talent Alex Michelsen at the Australian Open.
However, the split from Apostolos may still prove to be a wise long-term decision. By stepping out of his father’s shadow and taking full ownership of his career, Tsitsipas has the opportunity to grow both as a player and as an individual.
Looking ahead
Tsitsipas’ openness about such a sensitive topic reveals a level of emotional maturity rarely seen in elite athletes. As he navigates this transitional period, his focus remains on re-establishing himself as one of the sport’s best while maintaining a healthier relationship with his father.
The journey may be fraught with challenges, but Tsitsipas seems determined to honor his father’s legacy while carving out his own path.