“It's exactly where I wanted it to be for a long time now" - Stefanos Tsitsipas relishing new coaching relationship with father

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas will be competing at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, albeit with a new coach as he recently reunited with father, Apostolos, who had worked with the Greek star earlier in his career.

The former World No.3 had a rocky relationship with his dad during their initial time together, with the pair often seen yelling at each other during matches. Tsitsipas would part ways with his father in a coaching role, and even worked with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic prior to SW19.

However, a disastrous performance in London led to the pair going their separate ways, with Ivanisevic criticizing Tsitsipas' fitness and motivation. The Greek star would eventually reunite with his father, and hopes to rekindle the magic that saw him break into the top 5 on the ATP rankings.

Ahead of his opening round match against Nuno Borges, Tsitsipas appeared excited at the prospect of working with his dad again. The Athens native has amassed a 22-18 match record on the year, but hopes to finish 2025 on a strong note.

The two-time Grand Slam finalist spoke on his revamped relationship with his father, stating their coaching dynamic was in a good place, as opposed to the last time they worked together.

“We have changed our dynamic very much and I'm actually very happy the way we all cooperate and work together now,” Tsitsipas said ahead of his first match in Shanghai. “It's very refreshing as a player to have this relationship with a father.
“It's exactly where I wanted it to be for a long time now. And I'm happy. He has adjusted to my needs and I have adjusted to his needs. And we have both created a type of dynamic that is one to be proud of.
“My dad has been on the tour for a lot of years, even dating back to my mother’s playing days. So he has a lot of tennis in his life,” he said. “I'm extremely proud to call him my coach and my father. But first of all, my father. Secondly, my coach.
“I definitely see [our current coaching partnership] as something sustainable. I would be interested in the future to add a person in my team that can collaborate and work with my dad. Obviously he's not getting younger, so if I can find the right person, he can be by my dad’s side a little bit, with a clear, fresher mindset.
“That might also allow my dad to maybe take a step back a little bit to also enjoy life because it's not only tennis. And I've been reminding him and telling him this for a very long time."