Tsitsipas explains Philippoussis split: “I’m at a stage in my career where I need one coach”

The Greek will be accompanied by his father as he tries to simplify the message he receives

Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) during a training session of Roland-Garros 2022 – Zuma / Panoramic

May 26, 2023

The addition of Mark Philippoussis to the coaching set-up of Stefanos Tsitsipas seemed to be working well, the Australian’s Greek heritage making him the ideal fit.

Earlier this week, though, the pair’s collaboration came to a surprise end, with former Wimbledon runner-up Philippoussis announcing the news on Instagram.

Mark Philippoussis announces on Instagram that he is no longer part of team Tsitsipas.

DL: Can’t help thinking he was a good influence and that it would have helped Stefanos to build on that relationship. pic.twitter.com/l7aQsAlEd7
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) May 23, 2023

At Roland-Garros on Friday, Tsitsipas explained the situation to reporters.

“Well, it was a mutual decision,” Tsitsipas said. “We spent countless of hours on the phone talking a few weeks ago. It’s never easy having two coaches on the court. I know they are there to help and give the best they can, and provide for me. But sometimes it can get quite kind of hectic having two coaches share opinions.

“I’m at a phase of my career in life where I need one coach that can provide all the information, all the analysis, all of the things that I’m looking for to improve my game. Less is more, in my opinion.”

Tsitsipas will be accompanied by his father, Apostolos, from now on, a relationship that has been the constant throughout his career.

“I feel like there are a lot of people I could bring in my team that could help for sure by sharing their thoughts and opinions about what can I do better and how can I do it better. But it is very important to stick with few people, in my opinion, and make that work, because when you have a lot of people around you, it can get very draining for your mental energy, too. So that is also one of the reasons.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Mark Philippoussis — @ Zuma / Panoramic

Relationship with Philippoussis still good

Tsitsipas said he was still good friends with Philippoussis.

“I have had weeks where I just travelled with my coach because that’s how I felt it should have been done and I don’t regret any of it, because it’s a personal feeling,” he said. “I love Mark. He’s an amazing person, and we still stay in touch with him very often.

“I guess, you know, that’s how it’s going to be from now on, and I’m happy with this decision. Of course I’m sure he supports me, and he’s there for me whenever I need anything. That’s it.”

Tsitsipas confident of another good run

Tsitsipas reached the final in 2021, leading Novak Djokovic by two sets to love before being hauled in by the Serb. This year, he says he’s ready to go one better.

“Opponents are tough opponents. Some of them might not like clay as much as I do, and some have actually picked up on clay, one of them being Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev,” he said. “Guys like Novak Djokovic always are a threat.

“My capacity is big and grand, and I can feel it. I just need to get a few good first matches to keep believing that I actually can do something this year.”