"He left his job for me when I was twelve": Tsitsipas lauds sacrifices of father Apostolos in helping his career

Stefanos Tsitsipas shared insights about the sacrifices his father Apostolos made to help him achieve success.

The Greek player has been coached by his father since the age of three. Apostolos left his job as a high school teacher to travel with Stefanos from the age of 11, and has been his main coach ever since.

Although Apostolos played tennis himself starting at the age of 20, he did not achieve significant success and never earned an ATP point, which is in contrast to his son's achievements. Stefanos reached world No. 3 in 2021, has reached two Grand Slam finals, and has won multiple trophies.

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"He is everything to me," he replied. "He left his job for me when I was twelve. He has evolved day by day, learning as much as possible - whether online, through books or other means. He is down to earth and aware that he is not perfect - like me. That brings me closer to him," Tsitsipas said.

"And he's not just any coach. He has the knowledge and has worked with professionals before me. He knows what he is doing. He belongs by my side," 2019 ATP Finals champion added.

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Tsitsipas is currently competing in the 2023 Halle Open, where he secured a victory in the first round against French player Gregoire Barrere with a score of 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3). In the second round, he will face Chilean player Nicolás Jarry, who has won two ATP titles this year and holds a head-to-head record of 1-1 against Tsitsipas. Jarry won their only meeting on grass at the 2019 's-Hertogenbosch, while Tsitsipas defeated him at this year's Monte-Carlo.

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