LONDON — Goran Ivanisevic has publicly addressed his abrupt split with Stefanos Tsitsipas, revealing the reasons behind their short-lived coaching partnership and responding to the Greek star’s recent criticism. The former Wimbledon champion, who joined Tsitsipas’ team in late 2023, confirmed their separation after just five months, following a series of disappointing results.
The Croatian coach, known for his fiery personality and tactical brilliance, admitted the collaboration had not worked as expected. "Sometimes, chemistry just isn’t there, no matter how much you try," Ivanisevic told reporters. "Stefanos is a great player, but we had different visions on how to move forward."
The Breakdown of the Partnership
Ivanisevic’s comments come days after Tsitsipas made headlines with a blunt assessment of their time together. The world No. 7 had stated, "We didn’t achieve what we wanted. It was clear early on that things weren’t clicking." The Greek player’s remarks were perceived as a direct putdown, given Ivanisevic’s reputation as one of the sport’s most respected coaches.
Sources close to the pair revealed several key factors behind the split:
- Clashing Philosophies: Ivanisevic favored aggressive, high-risk tennis, while Tsitsipas preferred a more controlled baseline game.
- Communication Issues: The two reportedly struggled to find common ground in training and match strategy.
- Results Pressure: Early exits at the Australian Open and Indian Wells accelerated the decision.
Ivanisevic’s Response to Criticism
Ivanisevic, who famously guided Novak Djokovic to multiple Grand Slam titles, did not shy away from addressing Tsitsipas’ comments. "Look, I’ve been in this game long enough to know when something isn’t working," he said. "If Stefanos feels he needs a different approach, that’s his call. But I stand by my methods."
The 2001 Wimbledon champion also hinted at broader challenges in modern coaching. "Today’s players want instant success. Tennis isn’t like that. It takes time, trust, and sometimes tough love."
What’s Next for Tsitsipas?
With Ivanisevic out, Tsitsipas is reportedly considering a return to his father, Apostolos, as his primary coach. The duo had previously worked together for most of the Greek’s career before briefly splitting last year. However, some analysts question whether reverting to old structures will address Tsitsipas’ recent struggles.
Tennis commentator Patrick McEnroe weighed in, stating, "Stefanos needs consistency. Jumping from one coach to another isn’t sustainable if he wants to win majors."
The Bigger Picture
The split highlights the volatile nature of player-coach relationships in elite tennis. Ivanisevic joins a growing list of high-profile coaches—including Boris Becker and Ivan Lendl—who have faced abrupt dismissals despite their pedigrees.
For now, Ivanisevic remains philosophical. "Coaching is about finding the right fit. This wasn’t it. No hard feelings—I wish Stefanos the best."
As for Tsitsipas, the pressure mounts ahead of the clay-court season, where he’ll aim to rediscover the form that once made him a French Open finalist. Whether he can do so without Ivanisevic—or another top-tier coach—remains to be seen.