Stefanos Tsitsipas turns to Serena Williams’ former coach in desperate US Open reset

Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 21:30

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Stefanos Tsitsipas has turned to one of the most recognizable coaches in tennis as he looks to rescue a difficult season at the US Open, with Patrick Mouratoglou joining his team for the final Grand Slam of the year. Mouratoglou will work alongside Thomas Perrin, who has been coaching Tsitsipas since his split from his father Apostolos.

The move gives Tsitsipas another experienced voice at a crucial moment in his career. Mouratoglou has never officially been Tsitsipas' full-time coach, but the two have maintained a close relationship for several years. The French coach advised the Greek in 2023 and has also supplied members of his coaching team through the Mouratoglou Academy, including Perrin.

The timing of the reunion is particularly significant. Tsitsipas has struggled for consistency throughout 2026 and briefly fell as low as No. 80 in the ATP Rankings in April, leaving him dangerously close to dropping out of the Top 100. He has since recovered to No. 53, but his results at the Grand Slams have remained well below the standards he established earlier in his career.

There is also an intriguing subplot to Tsitsipas' opening match in New York. He will face Arthur Fils, who is currently coached by Goran Ivanisevic — the same coach who worked with Tsitsipas before their relationship ended in a controversial split two years ago. The matchup therefore brings together Tsitsipas and his former coach's current player at a particularly important moment for the Greek.

Mouratoglou returns to a Grand Slam bench

Mouratoglou confirmed the new arrangement himself on social media, revealing that he will travel to New York to work with Tsitsipas and Perrin during the US Open.

“I’m at the airport on the way to New York City, where I will take care of Stefanos Tsitsipas for the US Open along with Tomas Perrin, who is working with him on a daily basis," the Grenchman said in social media. "I’m super excited. I love the US Open. Love New York. Love Stefanos. So excited to get there. Cannot wait."

Tsitsipas raises his right arm celebrating a victory in Monte Carlo

His recent results underline that problem. Tsitsipas lost in the opening round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, then fell to Joao Fonseca in Montreal after qualifying for the main draw. He reached the second round in Cincinnati before losing to Felix Auger-Aliassime and was then beaten by Aleksandar Kovacevic in the same round in Winston-Salem.

His US Open record offers little margin for error either. Tsitsipas has reached the third round twice, in 2020 and 2021, but has never gone further at Flushing Meadows.

Fils brings an unusual coaching connection

Fils will provide a demanding test. The Frenchman has established himself as one of the most dangerous young players on the ATP Tour, while Ivanisevic brings extensive experience of working with elite players.

Ivanisevic joined Tsitsipas' team in 2024 in an attempt to help the Greek rediscover his best tennis. Their partnership ultimately lasted only a matter of months before the two parted ways, with the split becoming another difficult chapter in Tsitsipas' recent career.

Now, Ivanisevic will be preparing the player standing across the net from his former charge.

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That does not necessarily mean the Croatian holds a decisive tactical advantage, but it adds an unusual layer to an already important first-round match. Tsitsipas will have to deal with a talented opponent while facing a player whose team includes someone who knows his game from close quarters.

The challenge comes at a moment when Tsitsipas desperately needs a strong Grand Slam result. Mouratoglou's presence could provide a fresh perspective, but the Greek's immediate task remains simple: find enough consistency to survive the opening rounds.

A win over Fils would not solve all of Tsitsipas' problems, but it would give his new-look team an immediate opportunity to show that another reset can finally produce the breakthrough he has been searching for.

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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