By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, May 26, 2023
Splitting with coach Mark Philippoussis was a mutual decision, says Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The 2021 Roland Garros runner-up said his desire to streamline his team and simplify his tactical approach were factors in the decision, too. Apostolos Tsitsipas, Stefanos’ father, remains his coach.
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Former Wimbledon finalist Philippoussis helped guide Tsitsipas to the Australian Open final last January.
The decision to part company with his coach a week before the start of Roland Garros may suggest instability. However meeting the media in Paris today, Tsitsipas said when it comes to coaching, less is more at this point in his career.
“It’s never easy having two coaches on the court,” Tsitsipas said. “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.”
Two-time major finalist Philippoussis was trying to help Tsitsipas sharpen his slice backhand, bolster his return game and impose his transition skills more often. However, in practices Apostolos Tsitsipas, Philippoussis, and Tsitsipas’ mother, Julia, a former WTA pro, were offering opinions and advice.
Ultimately, Stefanos Tsitsipas suggested he isn’t seeking a new coach believing simplicity can create serenity on his team.
“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,” Tsitsipas said. “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.”
The two-time Monte-Carlo champion will need all his energy for Paris.
The fifth-seeded Greek, who will face Czech left-hander Jiri Vesely in his Roland Garros opener, resides in the same quarter of the draw as world No. 1 and nemesis Carlos Alcaraz.
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