Stefanos Tsitsipas might have officially parted ways with his father, Apostolos, as a coach, but he still regrets his behavior towards him in the past.
Tsitsipas has a very good relationship with his father, but the Greek has had a tumultuous relationship with his father in his role as coach. It started well in the early stages of his career, but over time, it grew to become shaky.
It got so bad that, at times, tension could be felt in almost every match, and it's never good when it comes to that level. Many urged Tsitsipas to fire his father as his coach, but he has refused to do that in the past.
Things boiled over after his early exit from the 2024 Canadian Open in Montreal, where Kei Nishikori beat him. One day after that match, Tsitsipas announced on social media that he was parting ways with his father as his coach.
The announcement was really long and emotional, with the Greek player admitting faultiness in how he talked to his father both in his last match and generally over the course of his career.
There were some quite tense moments, and he was clearly disappointed by his behavior toward somebody he loved and respected.
"In my case, I realized that I was wrong to talk to my father the way I did. Tennis is not just a match, a hit or a performance of a few seconds. It is a long journey full of emotions, pressure and expectations."
"In that moment of frustration, there were many mistakes and errors on the part of my coach and father. As an introvert, I tend to hold in my emotions and build them up until I reach a bursting point. I consider myself patient, so the fact that I reacted this way left me shocked."
"My behavior on the court 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."
Tsitsipas' outburst comes after months of struggles. His results have been on a relatively competitive level, but they've not been what he expects from himself.
He clearly wants to do better, and it seems like to do that, he will have to distance himself from his father in the role of a coach. That's the initial plan, even though they will still travel together.
"My father has been trying for the last few years to train me, raise me the right way and provide me with knowledge and wisdom, both on and off the field. I thank him for that. I thank him for the sacrifices, pain and suffering he has endured to make this endeavor a success."
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