Tennis fans watched with mixed reactions as Stefanos Tsitsipas announced his split from coach Goran Ivanišević, ending a brief but turbulent partnership that began after the 2025 French Open. Their two-month collaboration, which included the 2025 Halle Open and Wimbledon Championships, came to an abrupt end following a series of controversial public comments.
Tsitsipas’s Wimbledon campaign ended disappointingly during his first-round match against qualifier Valentin Royer. The Greek player was forced to retire before the start of the third set due to a back injury, with the score standing at 6-3, 6-2, 0-0 in favor of his opponent.
Following this setback, Ivanišević harshly criticized his player, publicly labeling Tsitsipas an “unprepared player.” These comments would prove to be a turning point in their already brief partnership.
How Did Fans React to the Split Between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Goran Ivanišević?
Since concluding his grass court season at Wimbledon, Tsitsipas has remained away from tournament play. He recently took to social media to announce the end of his coaching relationship with Ivanišević, maintaining a diplomatic tone despite the circumstances.
“Working with Goran Ivanisevic was brief but an intense experience and a truly valuable chapter in my journey. I’m thankful for the time, effort and energy he dedicated to me and my team. As we are now following our separate ways, I have only respect for Goran — not just for what he’s achieved in tennis, but also for who he is as a person. I wish him nothing but the very best moving forward,” Tsitsipas wrote.
Two months after they began working together, the decision to part ways sparked widespread discussion among tennis fans, who took to social media to share their thoughts on the split.
Many fans saw the separation as inevitable, particularly given Ivanišević’s unprecedented public remarks about the former World No. 3.
“I mean, it makes sense. After what Goran said I would fire him too,” one fan posted.
I mean, it makes sense. After what Goran said I would fire him too https://t.co/NaCnibZBWg
— ViVi B (@ViVi_RFObsessed) July 24, 2025
Others expressed that the end of their coaching relationship was predictable, especially after the Croatian’s controversial comments about Tsitsipas.
“Who didn’t see this coming after Goran’s terrible interview with the press…one lacked tack, the other has a fragile ego,” another fan wrote.
Who didn’t see this coming after Goran’s terrible interview with the press…one lacked tack, the other has a fragile ego. https://t.co/a9PKXrvloD
— Merrilyme (@maberrie) July 23, 2025
The predictable nature of the split became a common theme among fan reactions.
“The most unsurprising divorce in the history of divorces,” one fan posted.
The most unsurprising divorce in the history of divorces. https://t.co/EneYdp6GZR
— Gboye (@mcgboye) July 23, 2025
The humor wasn’t lost on fans who found the situation entirely predictable.
“I’m sorry. This is the most hilarious predictable thing💀💀💀,” another fan wrote.
I’m sorry. This is the most hilarious predictable thing💀💀💀 https://t.co/fDEMZYRIAm
— Masole Moerane🇿🇦🇩🇪 (@SoletheBanker) July 23, 2025
Some fans suggested Ivanišević should return to his previous coaching role, while others questioned whether the coach might be part of a pattern of complicated relationships.
“😂😂 He better go back to Novak at this point,” one fan posted.
“Sooooo… Are Elena Rybakina, Stefanos Tstisipas, and Novak Djokovic the problem(s) ??? … or is Goran Ivanisevic maybe toxic ??? What do ya’ll think? Could be all of the above!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 SCENES 🍿🎾,” another fan wrote.
Many fans acknowledged that while tough coaching has its place, public criticism crosses a line.
“Tough coaching is one thing. But to say whatever Goran said about stef to the media. Anyone would fire him lol,” one fan posted.
“Was never gonna last after Goran’s comments about Tsitsipas,” another fan posted.
Was never gonna last after Goran’s comments about Tsitsipas https://t.co/Y1x72Prl6Y
— . (@mattypipes39) July 23, 2025
Looking ahead, Tsitsipas will begin his hard-court season at the 2025 Canadian Open, scheduled from July 27 to August 7, 2025, at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto. The Greek player’s best result at this ATP Masters 1000 hard court tournament came in 2018, when he reached the final and finished as runner-up after losing to Rafael Nadal.
