In a dramatic first-round encounter at the Canadian Open, Kei Nishikori stunned Stefanos Tsitsipas, leaving the Greek star both stressed and speechless. As the tension erupted off the court, Tsitsipas vented his annoyance at his father, who functions as his coach, accusing him of failing to provide the necessary guidance during the crucial moments of the match.

By winning in the Top 20 for the first time since 2021, Kei Nishikori accomplished a noteworthy milestone. With a dominant effort, Nishikori defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked 11th. With this victory, Nishikori not only made it to the ATP Masters 1000 third round for the first time in three years, but it also dealt a serious blow to the Greek player’s ambitions of qualifying for the main draw.

Stefanos Tsitsipas openly discussed his recent forehand troubles at the press conference following the match. He had been discussing these issues with his coach for the previous four to five days. Following that, Tsitsipas explained that his frustration with his performance led to a confrontation with his father, who also serves as his coach, during the match.

He said, “For me an ATP Master 1000 match is an important match. I need and I deserve a coach that listens to me and hears my feedback as a player. My father hasn’t been very smart or very good at handling those situations, it’s not the first time he has done that. I’m really disappointed at him. I really don’t know right now if I’d consider any changes, but I’m really disappointed.” 

Along with that, he added, “The most important thing for a player is to have direct and good feedback from a coach. The coach is not the one holding a racket. The player is the one trying to execute a game plan. It’s a collaborative work that you put in together. It has to be reciprocal in order for me to try to develop my tennis.” 

In the past, Tsitsipas has also had an ugly spat with his dad as he told him to ‘shut up’ during the French Open match. During a match against Daniel Altmaier, Tsitsipas experienced a moment of tension when his father and coach, Apostolos, attempted to offer advice after Tsitsipas missed a crucial break point. Tsitsipas was irritated by the intervention and angrily instructed his father to “shut up,” highlighting the tense relationship that existed between them under pressure.

This wasn’t just a one off incident; during his defeat to Andrey Rublev at the 2020 ATP Finals, Tsitsipas was seen hitting a ball toward his support box in response to their comments, highlighting his agitation. Additionally, at the 2020 ATP Cup, Tsitsipas infamously smashed his racket in the vicinity of Apostolos, prompting his mother to come down and admonish him.

On the other hand, last year, Tsitsipas on his father Apostolos’ return to the coaching team, made a strong statement regarding his father’s presence in the team.

Stefanos Tsitsipas highlighted his father’s presence in the coaching team 

Tsitsipas talked candidly on his relationship with his father and coach, Apostolos, ahead of the 2023 Shanghai Masters, where he won an ATP title for the first time in 2018. In an insightful interview, Tsitsipas said that Apostolos is still an essential member of his coaching staff, even with his father’s sporadic physical absences.

He stated, “My dad has always been next to me even when he was not there and people didn’t see him he was always there by my side digitally. He is here to stay I mean I have no intention of ever changing my dad or pushing him away, you know people are always going to try and I don’t know..try and create rumors or try to destroy what you have with someone that is really close to you in any way or form.” 

The 25-year-old stressed that his father has always been there for him, even if it’s only through digital means, regardless of how things might seem on the outside. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the Greeks blaming his father? Do let us know in the comment section below.