Stefanos Tsitsipas, the eleventh-ranked player in the world tennis rankings, has officially severed ties with his coach after experiencing a challenging season that resulted in his fall from the top-10. Christos Fiotakis, Tsitsipas’ former coach, did not shy away from expressing his disappointment in the player’s performance and work ethic, ultimately leading to his decision to depart from the team.
Despite Tsitsipas’ triumph at the Monte-Carlo Masters in 2024, his performance has been erratic, and his recent defeat in the quarter-finals of the French Open has prolonged his pursuit of a Grand Slam title. This setback comes just ahead of the Wimbledon tournament, leaving the 25-year-old without a coach for the upcoming event.
Fiotakis, who played a significant role in aiding Tsitsipas’ recovery from a back injury that kept him sidelined at the end of the 2023 season, disclosed his dissatisfaction with the player’s progress and commitment to the sport. He also questioned Tsitsipas’ motivation and dedication to achieving higher rankings and winning major tournaments, suggesting that the demanding training and travel schedule was not justifiable without a dedicated effort from the player.
Highlighting the strained working relationship and conflicting priorities, Fiotakis expressed his decision to reallocate his energy and focus to other pursuits, ultimately leading to his separation from Tsitsipas. However, he did acknowledge the progress they made in restoring the player to peak physical condition and extended his well wishes for Tsitsipas’ future endeavors.
With Tsitsipas now outside the top-10 for the first time since his career-high ranking in August 2021, the remarks from his former coach have cast a shadow on his professional reputation. Despite his active presence on social media, Tsitsipas has yet to respond to Fiotakis’ criticisms.
The departure of his long-time coach at such a critical juncture in the season raises questions about Tsitsipas’ readiness for upcoming major events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the tennis star facing additional pressure to deliver on a global stage.
As Tsitsipas navigates this new phase in his career without Fiotakis by his side, the tennis world awaits his next moves and the impact on his performance in the upcoming tournaments.