Stefanos Tsitsipas has moved to explain his staggering decision to bring in Mark Philippoussis to replace his father as coach, just months after parting ways with the Aussie.
Philippoussis announced in June that his working relationship with Tsitsipas was over after serving as one of the Greek star’s coaches for a number of months.
But in a bizarre development, Tsitsipas has brought Philippoussis back in to be his head coach – replacing his father Apostolos.
Speaking in his pre-tournament press conference at the Toronto Masters on Monday, Tsitsipas explained: My father right now, I gave him some time off.
He hasn’t had time off since I’m 12 years old.
I think for him, it’s very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again.
Both of Tsitsipas’ parents – father Apostolos and mother Julia – have been involved in ugly court-side incidents during Philippoussis’s first tenure as assistant coach.
Tsitsipas had been in career-best form with Philippoussis in his box, including making the final the Australian Open in January.
“Parents can get emotional sometimes, and I completely understand that, Tsitsipas said. I’m not a parent myself, but I can imagine how difficult it can be at times seeing your child give it their all and to be going through so much during a match.
