Tsitsipas Bares Soul: “I’ve Wasted Time”

Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis star, has recently opened up about his struggles on and off the court, offering a candid and brutally honest assessment of his recent performances and career trajectory. From acknowledging “wasted time” in his training methods to grappling with injuries and a dip in confidence, Tsitsipas’s reflections provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by even the most talented athletes.

Acknowledging “Wasted Time” and Embracing Change

Tsitsipas has been working with his dad for years before ending their on-and-off working relationship last summer. He admitted that he feels like he has wasted time. Tsitsipas sounds like a man reborn since bringing the former Wimbledon champion, Goran Ivanisevic, into his team and says they’re starting from scratch, even though he believes their partnership should have happened years ago.

“I feel like, yeah, I’ve wasted time of maybe not feeling like I’ve grown as a player, and I feel like I’ve been practicing the same methods, same things for years and years and years,” Tsitsipas confessed. This realization has prompted him to embrace change and seek new perspectives, leading to his partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic.

Tsitsipas appreciates the honest coaching style that Ivanisevic brings. He feels like he needs someone that’s tough with him. He believes that this is the foundation he is going to build upon and that Ivanisevic respects him.

Injury Struggles and Loss of Hope

In addition to his struggles with training and coaching, Tsitsipas has also been battling injuries that have taken a toll on his mental and physical well-being. “One thing I have dealt (with) the last couple of years that I wasn’t so much facing before were the injuries that popped up,” Tsitsipas admitted. “Psychologically, they did a lot of harm to me”.

These injuries have led to discomfort and a loss of hope in his body’s ability to withstand the demands of the tour. “I’m just trying to find that balance again of how I can go match after match feeling the freshest that I can and feeling in the best possible shape that I can,” he explained.

Dip in Confidence and “Ordinary” Shots

Tsitsipas has also been candid about his struggles with confidence, particularly in his forehand shots. “I have lost confidence about my forehand, and I’m not used to that,” Tsitsipas confessed. “My shots are ordinary and not what they were in the past. My shots are simply not doing enough damage”.

This lack of confidence has contributed to lackluster performances on the court, with Tsitsipas admitting to feeling “lost” during matches. Despite acknowledging improvements in his return game, he is troubled by the overall lack of aggression and self-belief in his performance.

Underperformance and Accountability

Following a defeat at the US Open, Tsitsipas admitted that he had underperformed. “By no means I’m supposed to put any blame on any people or any members of my team,” he stated. “Everything on court is under my control and under my talents, and the way I can play this sport are shown out on the court. If I’m not able to deliver, then I’m not supposed to be doing well”.

Tsitsipas has expressed his determination to improve and move forward, stating, “I move on with my life. Hopefully I can get better in the future”.

Mental Game and Negativity

The mental side of Tsitsipas’s game has also come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about his on-court demeanor and tendency towards negativity. He has been removed from the potential Slam winners conversation. It has been noted that he plays erratically and has a negative on-court demeanor.

Wimbledon 2025 and Rebuilding

With Wimbledon approaching, Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic will have more time to work on the technical elements of his game. The lack of expectations may give Tsitsipas room to breathe and take his new coach’s notes. The main issue is the mental side of his game.

Overcome by the Next Gen

Once one of the ATP Tour’s much-hyped ‘Next Gen’ stars, Tsitsipas has found himself overtaken by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Tsitsipas is set to tumble out of the ATP’s Top 20 for the first time in seven years.

Conclusion

Stefanos Tsitsipas’s recent openness about his struggles highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by professional athletes. From grappling with injuries and dips in confidence to acknowledging the need for change and improvement, Tsitsipas’s journey is a testament to the mental and physical fortitude required to compete at the highest level of tennis. As he embarks on a new chapter with coach Ivanisevic, Tsitsipas’s fans will be hoping to see him overcome these obstacles and rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting players in the world.