LONDON — Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed his excitement about his new coaching partnership with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, admitting the collaboration "should've happened years ago." The Greek star, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, brought the Croatian legend on board ahead of the 2024 grass season, aiming to bolster his chances at Wimbledon and beyond.
A Long-Awaited Partnership
Tsitsipas, who has been working with his father, Apostolos, as his primary coach for most of his career, acknowledged that Ivanisevic’s influence was something he had considered for a while. "Goran has always been someone I admired, not just for his achievements but for his mentality on court," Tsitsipas said in an exclusive interview. "We’ve had conversations in the past, but the timing wasn’t right. Now, it feels like the perfect moment."
Ivanisevic, best known for his iconic 2001 Wimbledon triumph as a wildcard, brings a wealth of experience to Tsitsipas’ team. The Croatian has also coached Novak Djokovic, helping the Serb secure multiple Grand Slam titles. Tsitsipas emphasized the immediate impact of Ivanisevic’s presence: "He understands the game at the highest level, and his insights are already making a difference."
Grass-Court Focus
The timing of the partnership is no coincidence, as Tsitsipas looks to improve his record on grass. Despite his success on hard and clay courts, the Greek has yet to make a deep run at Wimbledon, with his best result being a fourth-round appearance in 2018. "Grass has always been a challenge for me, but Goran’s expertise is exactly what I need," Tsitsipas admitted.
Ivanisevic’s influence is expected to be particularly valuable in refining Tsitsipas’ serve and net game—two areas critical for success on grass. The Croatian’s aggressive playing style and tactical acumen align well with Tsitsipas’ strengths. "He’s already tweaked my serve motion slightly, and the results are noticeable," Tsitsipas revealed.
Key Adjustments Under Ivanisevic
Since joining forces, Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic have focused on several key areas:
- Serve Optimization: Ivanisevic, one of the greatest servers in tennis history, has worked on Tsitsipas’ placement and variety.
- Net Play: Encouraging Tsitsipas to be more aggressive at the net, a strategy that paid dividends for Ivanisevic during his career.
- Mental Toughness: Instilling a champion’s mindset, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Tsitsipas noted the immediate benefits: "Goran’s approach is straightforward—he doesn’t overcomplicate things. He’s helped me simplify my game plan on grass, which is exactly what I needed."
A Complementary Team Dynamic
The addition of Ivanisevic does not mean Tsitsipas is sidelining his father, Apostolos, who remains a central figure in his coaching team. Instead, the Greek star sees the partnership as a complementary one. "My father knows me better than anyone, but Goran brings a different perspective. It’s the perfect balance," he explained.
Ivanisevic, known for his fiery personality, has also brought a new energy to Tsitsipas’ camp. "He’s intense, but in a good way. He pushes me to be better every day," Tsitsipas said. The Croatian’s experience in mentoring Djokovic has also been invaluable, as he understands the demands of competing at the highest level.
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
With Wimbledon just weeks away, Tsitsipas is optimistic about his chances. "I’ve never felt more prepared for the grass season. Goran’s guidance has given me a new level of confidence," he said. The Greek star is set to compete in several warm-up tournaments, including Halle, where he will test his improved game.
Ivanisevic, meanwhile, has high expectations for his new charge. "Stefanos has all the tools to win Wimbledon. It’s about fine-tuning and believing in himself," the Croatian said in a recent interview.
Conclusion: A Partnership with Potential
Tsitsipas’ decision to bring Ivanisevic into his team could prove to be a masterstroke. The Croatian’s expertise, particularly on grass, addresses one of the Greek’s few weaknesses. "This is just the beginning. I’m excited to see where this partnership takes me," Tsitsipas concluded.
As the tennis world watches closely, the Tsitsipas-Ivanisevic duo could be the key to unlocking the Greek’s full potential on the sport’s biggest stages. With Wimbledon on the horizon, the timing couldn’t be better.