MONTE CARLO — Stefanos Tsitsipas has reappointed his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, as his primary coach following a brief but high-profile partnership with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic. The decision marks a return to familiar territory for the Greek star, who has spent much of his career under his father’s guidance.
The move comes just weeks after Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic ended their collaboration, which had lasted less than four months. Ivanisevic, best known for coaching Novak Djokovic to multiple Grand Slam titles, was brought on board in late 2023 to add a new dimension to Tsitsipas’ game. However, the partnership failed to yield the desired results, with Tsitsipas struggling for consistency in recent tournaments.
A Return to Familiar Ground
Apostolos Tsitsipas, who has been a constant presence in his son’s career since childhood, will now resume his role as head coach. The reunion signals a strategic shift for the world No. 7, who has openly acknowledged the unique dynamic of working with family. "My father knows me better than anyone else," Tsitsipas said in a recent interview. "There’s an unspoken understanding between us that’s hard to replicate."
The decision to bring back Apostolos was influenced by several factors:
- Consistency: Apostolos has been with Tsitsipas through every major milestone, including his 2019 ATP Finals victory and two Grand Slam finals.
- Chemistry: The father-son duo shares a deep tactical and emotional connection, which has often translated into on-court success.
- Recent Struggles: Tsitsipas has faced challenges adapting to Ivanisevic’s aggressive coaching style, leading to inconsistent performances.
The Ivanisevic Experiment
Goran Ivanisevic’s appointment in late 2023 was seen as a bold move, with many expecting the Croatian’s expertise to elevate Tsitsipas’ serve and mental toughness. However, the partnership never quite clicked. "Sometimes, the pieces don’t fit," Ivanisevic admitted in a recent press conference. "Stefanos is an incredible player, but we had different visions on how to move forward."
Key Moments of the Split
The split was reportedly amicable, but insiders suggest that Tsitsipas felt constrained by Ivanisevic’s methods. A notable low point came during the Australian Open, where Tsitsipas was eliminated in the fourth round. "I needed to rediscover my rhythm," Tsitsipas later reflected. "Goran brought great ideas, but at times, it felt like I was playing someone else’s game."
Looking Ahead
With Apostolos back at the helm, Tsitsipas is expected to refocus on his baseline game and one-handed backhand—a signature weapon that had seen mixed results under Ivanisevic. The immediate goal is to regain momentum ahead of the clay-court season, where Tsitsipas has historically excelled.
Tsitsipas’ team has also hinted at a possible addition to the coaching staff. "We’re open to fresh perspectives, but the core will remain family-driven," Apostolos told reporters. "Stefanos’ game is built on creativity, and we want to nurture that."
Reactions from the Tennis World
The news has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts argue that Tsitsipas risks stagnation by reverting to his father’s coaching, while others believe the familiarity could reignite his form. Former player Brad Gilbert tweeted: "Sometimes you gotta go back to go forward. Apostolos knows Stef’s game inside out—don’t underestimate that."
Meanwhile, rivals have taken note. "Stefanos is always dangerous, especially on clay," said Carlos Alcaraz. "If he’s comfortable with his team again, that’s a problem for the rest of us."
Conclusion
Tsitsipas’ decision to reunite with his father underscores the complexities of coaching in tennis. While Ivanisevic’s pedigree was undeniable, the Greek star has opted for trust and familiarity over experimentation. As the clay season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this reunion can propel Tsitsipas back into title contention.
"In the end, it’s about what feels right," Tsitsipas said. "I’m confident this is the best path forward for me."