Tsitsipas’ Coaching Shake-Up: A Grand Slam Gamble?

Following an unexpected exit from the French Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas has officially confirmed a significant change to his coaching team, a move that has the tennis world buzzing. This decision follows a somewhat turbulent period for the Greek star, marked by inconsistency and a search for the formula to unlock his full potential.

The Confirmed Change: Ivanisevic Joins Team Tsitsipas

The major headline is the addition of Goran Ivanisevic, former Wimbledon champion and most recently coach to Elena Rybakina and, notably, Novak Djokovic. This move, initially reported by Greek media outlet Gazzetta and later confirmed by various sources, sees Ivanisevic joining Tsitsipas’ camp after the 2025 French Open.

• Expertise on Grass: With Wimbledon following the French Open, Ivanisevic’s expertise on grass courts is expected to be a key asset for Tsitsipas, whose grass-court record has been historically less impressive.
• Proven Track Record: Ivanisevic’s successful partnership with Novak Djokovic, which yielded 12 Grand Slam titles, speaks volumes about his coaching abilities and his potential to guide Tsitsipas to major success.
• Fixing the Serve: With Ivanisevic’s expertise, Tsitsipas is hoping to refine his serve.

The Rest of the Team

Here’s a breakdown of the key figures in Tsitsipas’ revised coaching setup:

• Dimitris Chatzinikolaou: Will continue to be Tsitsipas’ main coach, accompanying him for most weeks of the year. Tsitsipas has praised Chatzinikolaou for his honesty and the open communication they share, which he believes is crucial for a successful team.
• Kerei Abakar: From the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, Abakar will step in during the weeks when Chatzinikolaou is unable to travel. He has a long-standing relationship with Tsitsipas, dating back to 2015.
• Frederic Lefebvre: Will remain Tsitsipas’ trainer, a role he has held since 2016, focusing on maintaining the player’s physical condition.
• Constantinos Tsitsipas: A chiropractor and Stefanos’ cousin, who recently joined the team to provide chiropractic support.
• Alessandro Pirounis and Viktor Huet: Friends who provide essential personal support to Tsitsipas.

The Father-Son Dynamic: A Shift in Roles

Apostolos Tsitsipas, Stefanos’ father, had been a constant presence in his son’s career, serving as his primary coach for many years. However, in August 2024, Tsitsipas made the difficult decision to end their professional relationship.

• End of an Era: Apostolos had coached Stefanos from the start of his career, guiding him to two Grand Slam finals (Australian Open 2023 and Roland Garros 2021).
• Focus on the Father Role: Tsitsipas expressed his desire to keep his father in the role of a father, separating their personal relationship from the demands of professional coaching.
• Past Tensions: The decision came after an incident at the 2024 National Bank Open in Montreal, where Tsitsipas publicly criticized his father’s coaching.
• Return to the Stands?: Apostolos was spotted in the stands during Tsitsipas’ Monte Carlo match in April 2025, sparking speculation about a possible return to the team, but no official statement has been made.

Mouratoglou’s Role: Past and Present

Patrick Mouratoglou and his academy have been a part of Tsitsipas’ development since his junior days in 2015. While rumors of a complete split have been denied in the past, Mouratoglou’s direct involvement in Tsitsipas’ coaching had seemingly diminished in recent years.

• Long-Term Association: Tsitsipas has trained at the Mouratoglou Academy in Nice, France, for many years.
• Early Coaching: Mouratoglou himself was often seen in Tsitsipas’ player box, supporting and coaching him at tour events.
• Academy Support: Kerei Abakar from the Mouratoglou Academy will continue to provide coaching support when Dimitris Chatzinikolaou is unavailable.

The Search for Consistency and Titles

Tsitsipas’ recent coaching changes reflect his pursuit of greater consistency and title success. Despite being a top player for several years, he has struggled to consistently challenge for major titles.

• Grand Slam Finals: Tsitsipas has played in two Grand Slam finals but has yet to secure a major title.
• Title Drought: After a strong start to 2025 with a title in Dubai, Tsitsipas has experienced some disappointing results, including an early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters.
• New Voices: By bringing in experienced coaches like Ivanisevic, Tsitsipas hopes to gain new perspectives and strategies to elevate his game.

The Pressure of Expectations

As one of the leading players of his generation, Tsitsipas faces immense pressure to perform at the highest level.

• “Next Gen” Star: He is often mentioned among the “Next Gen” players expected to dominate men’s tennis.
• Rivalries: Tsitsipas has had notable rivalries with players like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev.
• High Ranking: He has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the world, demonstrating his potential to compete with the very best.

Can Ivanisevic Make the Difference?

The partnership between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Goran Ivanisevic is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing coaching moves of 2025. Ivanisevic’s experience, particularly his success with Djokovic, could provide Tsitsipas with the missing piece to his Grand Slam puzzle. However, the success of this collaboration will depend on several factors.

• Chemistry: The dynamic between coach and player is crucial. Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic must establish a strong working relationship based on trust and open communication.
• Tactical Adjustments: Ivanisevic will need to identify areas where Tsitsipas can improve his game, both technically and strategically.
• Mental Fortitude: A Grand Slam champion himself, Ivanisevic can help Tsitsipas develop the mental toughness required to perform under pressure in major tournaments.

The tennis world will be watching closely to see if this coaching change can propel Stefanos Tsitsipas to the next level and help him finally achieve his Grand Slam dreams.