Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas recently opened up about the complexities in his relationship with his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, following the decision to remove him from his coaching team. The revelation came after a doctor’s report suggested that Stefanos’ career might benefit from a fresh approach and reduced external pressures, including family dynamics.
Stefanos explained in an emotional interview that the decision was not easy, as his father has been a cornerstone of his journey since childhood. Apostolos was instrumental in shaping his son’s career, guiding him to Grand Slam finals and helping him break into the world’s top five players. However, as Stefanos matured both personally and professionally, the dynamics of their relationship became more complex. The athlete acknowledged that the line between family and professional roles had blurred, causing tension and affecting his mental well-being.
“Firing my dad as my coach was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” Tsitsipas admitted. “He’s not just my father; he’s the person who introduced me to tennis and believed in me when no one else did. But after consultations with doctors and mental health experts, it became clear that I needed a change for my growth, both on and off the court.”
Doctors highlighted that the emotional strain from overlapping family and professional relationships was taking a toll on Stefanos. Reports suggested that the high-stakes nature of professional tennis combined with family involvement in his career contributed to heightened stress and pressure. This was evident during matches, where on-court coaching interactions between Stefanos and Apostolos often seemed tense.
Stefanos has since made efforts to redefine his relationship with his father. He emphasized that his decision was not about severing ties but creating healthier boundaries to preserve their personal connection. “I want him to be my dad, first and foremost,” he said. “We’re working on finding a balance where we can be father and son again, without the weight of tennis coming between us.”
The tennis star also hinted at seeking new coaching options to bring a fresh perspective to his game. While Stefanos has shown flashes of brilliance in recent tournaments, inconsistent performances have led to questions about whether a new coaching setup could unlock his full potential. Fans and analysts have speculated that working with a seasoned coach outside his family could provide the objectivity and tactical expertise he needs to reach the next level.
Despite the challenges, Stefanos expressed optimism about the future, both in his career and his personal life. “This is a new chapter for me. I’m grateful for everything my father has done, and I believe we’ll come out of this stronger. It’s about growth and evolution, not just as a tennis player but as a person.”
The decision marks a significant shift in Tsitsipas’ career, signaling his readiness to take full control of his professional journey. As he moves forward, all eyes will be on how this change impacts his performance and whether he can maintain a harmonious relationship with his father outside the pressures of tennis.
