Stefanos Tsitsipas has announced his separation from coach Goran Ivanisevic following a brief but intense partnership. Tsitsipas expressed gratitude for Ivanisevic’s contributions to his career in a heartfelt statement on Instagram, acknowledging the effort and energy Ivanisevic devoted to him and his team. He emphasised that their paths are diverging amicably, stating, “I have only respect for Goran—not just for what he’s achieved in tennis, but also for who he is as a person.”
Despite the positive sentiment in Tsitsipas’s social media post, the parting did not come without its share of conflict. Ivanisevic, the Croatian tennis legend, expressed frustration with Tsitsipas’s preparedness, stating he had never encountered a player as unprepared and suggesting that Tsitsipas needed to address issues off the court, commenting on his physical state.
Tsitsipas’s tumultuous relationship with Ivanisevic included coaching at tournaments like Halle and Wimbledon. However, his performance was underwhelming, culminating in a retirement during his first match at Wimbledon due to a back injury. The issues between the two seemed to escalate, with Ivanisevic remarking on Tsitsipas’s fitness level and implying that no one could assist him if personal matters remained unaddressed.
In a rebuttal, Tsitsipas told an interviewer that it was challenging to work with “dictators” and individuals who didn’t foster a familial atmosphere. As he prepares for his next tournament in Toronto, the 26-year-old aims to turn the page and focus on his game moving forward.
While their professional relationship has come to an end, Tsitsipas maintains a respectful stance towards Ivanisevic and wishes him success in future endeavours.