Greece’s tennis star
Stefanos Tsitsipas has confirmed that
his decision to split from his father in a coaching role was his own. The
26-year-old is often regarded as one of the most talented players currently
playing in men’s tennis. Despite all that talent, Tsitsipas has found it hard
to register success continuously.
The world number 11 was once again in the news for the wrong
reasons as he publicly announced splitting with his father, who was also his
coach. That happened after an on-court spat between the two during the Canadian
Open. In that competition, he was knocked out from the competition after losing
in the first round to Japan’s Kei Nishikori in straight sets with a score of
6-4, 6-4. Tsitsipas was recently asked about whether that decision was made after getting advice from his girlfriend
Paula Badosa. In response to that, the
Athens-born star stated that the decision was his own and also praised Badosa for
being a great support to him during ‘toughest’ moments.
“This was entirely my decision, not influenced by anyone
else,” he said. “It was a difficult one
to make, and I didn’t actually advise with her, which I guess would have been a
normal thing to do when you’re in a relationship. I felt like it was something
I had to maybe think throughout myself, and get it processed in my own mind and
on my own terms. Paula is a great source of support. I’ve always spoken greatly
of her because she’s been there in my toughest moments and she always was
compassionate,” he replied. “She was always a shoulder to lean on when moments
like this occur.”
Tsitsipas recently participated in the
Cincinnati Open, but once again, his journey was cut short in the early phase of the competition. He lost to Britain’s Jack Draper in the round of 32 with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.