Stefanos Tsitsipas’s new coach, Goran Ivanišević, delivered an unfiltered assessment of the Greek star’s preparation and commitment that shook the entire tennis world. The former Wimbledon champion didn’t hold back while criticizing Tsitsipas following the player’s early retirement from Wimbledon 2025.
The harsh words came after Tsitsipas was forced to quit his first-round match against French qualifier Valentin Royer due to a back injury, trailing 6-3, 6-2. This incident has highlighted the growing concerns about Tsitsipas’ decline from his former World No. 3 ranking to his current position at No. 26.
Goran Ivanišević’s Shocking Assessment
In an interview with Sport Club studio, Ivanišević revealed his disappointment with Tsitsipas’s approach to the game. The Croatian coach, who previously worked with Novak Djokovic, spoke about what needs to change for Tsitsipas to return to the top 10.
“It’s simple and it’s not simple. 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,” Ivanišević stated.
However, the criticism became much harsher as he continued: “He wants, 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.”
The coach’s comments reflect his frustration with Tsitsipas’ lack of progress despite their partnership beginning after the French Open. Ivanišević emphasized that while Tsitsipas has the talent, the issues extend beyond the tennis court and require addressing off-court matters to return to elite form.
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s Troubling Recent Form
Tsitsipas’s 2025 season has been marked by inconsistency and disappointing results. The Greek star currently holds a 19-13 record for the year, his lowest win percentage since 2018. His struggles became evident early in the season with a first-round exit at the Australian Open against Alex Michelsen, his earliest defeat in Melbourne since 2018.
The only bright spot in his season came at the Dubai Tennis Championships in March, where he won his first ATP 500 title, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in the final. This victory temporarily lifted him back into the top 10 at No. 9, but his form soon deteriorated again.
View this post on Instagram
At the French Open, Tsitsipas suffered his earliest exit since 2018, losing in the second round to Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. This defeat caused him to drop out of the top 20 for the first time since August 2018. Following this loss, he admitted to playing “immaturely at times” and acknowledged being “too impulsive instead of handling situations conservatively.”
GLORIOUS FROM GIGANTE 👏
The qualifier captures his biggest ever win with a 6-4 5-7 6-2 6-4 win over Tsitsipas 🔥@rolandgarros #rolandgarros #gigante pic.twitter.com/CmPgP3O5Sa
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 28, 2025
The decline is particularly big when compared to his previous achievements. Tsitsipas reached the finals of the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open, but has now reached only one quarterfinal in his last nine Grand Slam tournaments.
