ATHENS — Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has officially ended his coaching partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion, after a turbulent few months that saw Ivanisevic publicly criticize Tsitsipas’ performance on live television.
The split comes just six months after Ivanisevic joined Tsitsipas’ team in February 2024, replacing his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, as the primary coach. The decision follows Ivanisevic’s blunt remarks during a TV appearance where he tore into Tsitsipas’ mental toughness and consistency, calling his recent performances "unacceptable for a player of his caliber."
A Sudden and Public Fallout
The partnership, initially seen as a promising move to elevate Tsitsipas’ game, quickly soured after Ivanisevic’s candid comments on Croatian sports network Sportske Novosti. During the broadcast, Ivanisevic did not hold back, stating: "Stefanos has the talent, but he lacks the discipline. He needs to stop overthinking and start fighting harder in matches. Right now, he’s not even close to his best."
Sources close to Tsitsipas revealed that the 25-year-old was blindsided by the public criticism, which came just days after his early exit at the Monte-Carlo Masters. "Stefanos felt betrayed," an insider shared. "He respects Goran’s knowledge, but there’s a line between tough love and public humiliation."
The Short-Lived Coaching Experiment
Ivanisevic, best known for guiding Novak Djokovic to multiple Grand Slam titles, was brought in to add a champion’s mentality to Tsitsipas’ game. However, their collaboration was rocky from the start, with reports of clashes over training intensity and tactical adjustments.
Key issues that contributed to the split:
- Ivanisevic’s demanding style clashed with Tsitsipas’ more philosophical approach to the game.
- Disagreements over tournament scheduling, with Ivanisevic pushing for a heavier workload.
- The public criticism, which Tsitsipas viewed as a breach of trust.
What’s Next for Tsitsipas?
With Ivanisevic out, Tsitsipas is expected to return to a coaching setup led by his father, Apostolos, who has been a constant presence in his career. However, questions remain about whether this move will help Tsitsipas break his Grand Slam drought—he has reached two major finals (2021 French Open, 2023 Australian Open) but has yet to claim a title.
Tennis analysts have weighed in, with former player Brad Gilbert tweeting: "Stefanos needs stability. Goran’s tough love might’ve been too much, too soon. Going back to basics with his dad could be the reset he needs."
Ivanisevic’s Future in Coaching
Ivanisevic, who has a reputation for being brutally honest, is unlikely to struggle for coaching offers. His success with Djokovic makes him a sought-after figure, though his no-nonsense approach may not suit every player.
When asked about the split, Ivanisevic told reporters: "Sometimes, things don’t work out. I wish Stefanos the best, but he needs to decide how badly he wants to win. Talent alone isn’t enough."
Conclusion: A Lesson in Chemistry
The Tsitsipas-Ivanisevic partnership serves as a reminder that even the most talented player-coach duos need the right chemistry to succeed. For now, Tsitsipas will regroup with his family team, while Ivanisevic moves on to his next challenge.
As the tennis world watches, one thing is clear: Tsitsipas must find a way to harness his immense potential—whether under his father’s guidance or with a future coach who can strike the right balance between critique and support.