ATHENS — Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has made headlines with his latest coaching decision, appointing former top-10 player Marcos Baghdatis as his new coach following his split with Goran Ivanisevic. The move has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning whether Baghdatis has the experience to guide Tsitsipas back to the pinnacle of men's tennis.
The End of the Ivanisevic Era
Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion who famously coached Novak Djokovic, parted ways after a brief but turbulent partnership. The collaboration lasted just six months, with rumors suggesting disagreements over training methods and tactical approaches. "Goran brought a lot of intensity, but sometimes our visions didn’t align," Tsitsipas admitted in a recent interview.
Ivanisevic, known for his fiery personality, had helped Tsitsipas reach the Australian Open final earlier this year. However, the Greek star’s form dipped afterward, culminating in early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. "Sometimes chemistry just isn’t there, no matter how great the coach is," Ivanisevic said diplomatically after the split.
Why Baghdatis?
The appointment of Marcos Baghdatis, a former Australian Open finalist and fan favorite, has raised eyebrows. While Baghdatis lacks the high-profile coaching resume of Ivanisevic, Tsitsipas emphasized their shared cultural background and mutual understanding. "Marcos knows what it’s like to carry the hopes of a nation. He gets me," Tsitsipas explained.
Baghdatis, who retired in 2019, has limited coaching experience but has worked sporadically with young Greek players. His strengths lie in his tactical acumen and ability to connect with players emotionally—a stark contrast to Ivanisevic’s no-nonsense style.
Key Challenges for Baghdatis
Baghdatis faces several immediate challenges in his new role:
- Consistency: Tsitsipas has struggled with maintaining peak performance across tournaments.
- Mental Toughness: Closing out big matches remains a hurdle, as seen in his Grand Slam finals.
- Serve & Return: Despite improvements, his serve can be erratic under pressure.
Mixed Reactions from the Tennis World
The tennis community has been divided over the appointment. Former player and analyst Brad Gilbert tweeted, "Bold move by Stef. Baghdatis is a great guy, but does he have the tools to fix the flaws? Time will tell."
Others, like Tsitsipas’s rival Alexander Zverev, were more supportive. "Marcos was always a smart player. If anyone can bring fresh ideas, it’s him," Zverev said during a press conference in Hamburg.
What’s Next for Tsitsipas?
Tsitsipas is set to debut his new partnership at the upcoming North American hardcourt swing, with Baghdatis joining him for the Canadian Open and US Open. The Greek star remains optimistic, stating, "This is a new chapter. Marcos and I are ready to write something special."
However, critics argue that Tsitsipas’s frequent coaching changes—he has worked with five coaches in the last four years—reflect a lack of long-term planning. "Stability is key in tennis. Stef needs to stick with a team and trust the process," warned former coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Conclusion
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s decision to hire Marcos Baghdatis is a gamble, but one that could pay off if their chemistry translates to on-court success. With the US Open looming, the pressure is on for the Greek star to prove that this controversial move was the right one. As Baghdatis himself put it, "Tennis is about belief. Stef has the talent—we just need to unlock it."