Tsitsipas on challenging journey: 'Splitting with coach dad was my own decision'

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.

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“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.”

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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.