“I’m not Harry Potter”: Goran Ivanisevic admits Stefanos Tsitsipas needs time to recover top form
ATP
Goran Ivanisevic didn’t hold back when assessing his new player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, after their unexpected coaching partnership was announced. The former coach of Novak Djokovic said the Greek star is currently far from where he should be in the rankings and hopes to guide him back to the top—though he knows it won’t be easy.
The Croatian coach has worked with several high-profile players during his career, all of whom reached at least the Top 5. His most notable stint was with Novak Djokovic, coaching him from 2019 to 2024 and being part of nine Grand Slam titles: three each at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, two French Opens, and one US Open.
After a successful run with Djokovic, the two parted ways in early 2024, and Ivanisevic stepped away from the Tour. In a surprise move, he later joined Elena Rybakina’s team—his first experience on the WTA Tour—but the partnership ended shortly after the Australian Open. Rybakina’s controversial reunion with Stefano Vukov—who has since been banned by the WTA for alleged mistreatment—led Ivanisevic to walk away from the project.
Now, Ivanisevic has taken on his fifth ATP player as a coach. He will aim to help Tsitsipas return to his former glory. From 2019 to 2023, Tsitsipas consistently stayed inside the top 8, spending most of that time in the top 5. He also reached two Grand Slam finals, won the ATP Finals, and three Masters 1000 titles.
Tsitsipas has reached 30 career finals, winning 12 titles. His most recent title was at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February 2025.
However, Tsitsipas has struggled recently, falling to World No. 26 and winning just two matches in his last four Grand Slam appearances. Ivanisevic was candid about the Greek’s current condition: “Right now, I can't say he's in his best physical and tennis shape. He’s a player who belongs in the Top 5—based on potential, results, everything.”
Possibly the most successful coach of the last five years, Ivanisevic admitted that turning things around won’t happen overnight: “I’m not Harry Potter—I can’t just wave a wand and change everything from one day to the next. But if he works and we build the right cooperation, the results will come—with or without me.”
“He’s far too good to be where he is now, or to be playing the way he is,” the former Wimbledon champion conccluded. Tsitsipas will begin his grass-court campaign at the ATP 500 Halle Open, his only warm-up event ahead of Wimbly.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
— TennisHYPEMedia (@TennisHypeMedia) June 12, 2025
Goran Ivanisevic
Zagreb - Croatia
Road to #Wimbledon 2025
Stef next competes in Halle, then an exho in London's Hurlingham Club - Giorgio Armani Classic followed by Wimby Grand Slam, the King's Cup exho with Paula in Spain, Hopman Cup in Italy & then Umag pic.twitter.com/fLNl8ZC7rB
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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