The tennis world rarely sees family drama play out this publicly. When Goran Ivanišević questioned Stefanos Tsitsipas’ commitment and fitness after Wimbledon, it didn’t just end a coaching partnership. It brought the Greek star’s father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, back into the spotlight to defend his son and criticize how the Croatian legend handled the situation.
How Did Apostolos Tsitsipas React to Goran Ivanišević’s Public Criticism?
Apostolos Tsitsipas, who has returned to coaching his son Stefanos, has addressed the controversial comments made by Ivanišević regarding the Greek star. Ivanišević, who briefly worked with Stefanos, had publicly voiced concerns about the Greek’s approach to tennis following a first-round exit at Wimbledon.
“I wasn’t very involved then. Probably Goran saw something he didn’t like,” Apostolos told tennis publication “CLAY.” Apostolos, who has been deeply involved in his son’s coaching since his professional debut, made it clear he was not pleased with Ivanišević choosing to air those views publicly.
The elder Tsitsipas believes the criticism should have remained private. “He should have identified it at the beginning of their professional relationship with Stefanos and discussed it personally with Stefanos and his team, and told him what he wanted from him. Goran is a professional, I’m sure he has his own ideas on how to make things work, but definitely he should have done it personally with Stefanos.”
Apostolos continued with his strongest criticism of the Croatian’s approach. “I didn’t like that he expressed his opinions publicly. It’s interesting for the public to know about all these things, but the most important for people is to see Stefanos playing good tennis. And the ones responsible for that are the members of his team.”
He stressed that a coach’s role is to nurture rather than criticize from the outside. “We are teachers. Coaches must create the right environment for the player to develop,” he said.
The coaching situation with Stefanos has been complicated for years. Apostolos had been the head coach of the two-time Grand Slam finalist throughout his career until their relationship hit a rocky patch in 2023. Stefanos then hired former World No. 8 Mark Philippoussis as his coach but parted ways with the Australian two months later, resuming his collaboration with his father.
However, in August 2024, Tsitsipas again announced that he had decided to end his coaching partnership with his father, setting the stage for Ivanišević’s eventual hiring.
What Did Goran Ivanišević Say About Stefanos Tsitsipas?
Tsitsipas hired Ivanišević toward the end of May 2025 amid the Greek’s struggles with form. Despite the addition of the Croatian great to his team, Tsitsipas failed to match his previous success. Following his shocking exit at Wimbledon, Ivanišević publicly questioned the Greek’s approach in terms that stunned the tennis world.
“It’s simple and it’s not simple,” Ivanišević said of Tsitsipas days after he exited Wimbledon. “I’ve talked to him a lot of times. If he solves some things outside of tennis, then he has a chance and he’ll return to where he belongs, because he’s too good a player to be out of the top 10.”
The former Wimbledon champion didn’t stop there, delivering his harshest assessment. “He wants to but he doesn’t do anything. All ‘I want, I want’, but I don’t see that progress. I was shocked. I have never seen a more unprepared player in my life. With this knee, I am three times more fit than him. This is really bad.”
Ivanišević’s comments reportedly created an immediate rift with Tsitsipas. A few days later, it was announced that the duo had parted ways, bringing Stefanos full circle back to his father’s coaching.
Despite reuniting with his father, the Greek’s struggles with tennis have continued. He was ousted from the US Open by Daniel Altmaier in a dramatic second-round battle, showing that the coaching changes haven’t yet solved his on-court issues.
