What could be a bigger heartbreak for a player ranked at number 11 losing to a competitor who isn’t even close to the top 100? As the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal unfolded the round of 32, fans witnessed Stefanos Tsitsipas going through a challenging time against Kei Nishikori. Soon after the showdown ended, the Greek ATP star blamed his father and coach for lacking a sense of “understanding.” Is it time that the father-son duo finally decides to part ways for good?

Tsitsipas recently faced a shocking defeat against Nishikori at the Omnium Banque National in Montreal. The World No. 11 fell 6-4, 6-4 to the Japanese star, who is currently ranked No. 576 in the PIF ATP Rankings. This unexpected loss not only raised concerns about Tsitsipas’ current form but also about his support system which is led by his father and coach Apostolos Tsitsipas.

After the match, Stefanos openly expressed frustration with his father and therefore hinted at the need for a change in his coaching setup. “I need and deserve a coach who listens to my feedback as a player. My father has not been very smart or very good at managing those situations,” the ATP star said.

As soon as this happened, rumors revolving around a possible relationship between Patrick Mouratoglou and Tsitspas started flying around the tennis circuit. The renowned coach is a well-known admirer of Tsitsipas as he has consistently voiced support for the former number 3, stating, “I am 100% sure he will find a way” to win a Grand Slam. The fact that he recently parted ways with Holger Rune adds more to the speculated narrative.

Both have had the experience of working together for several years as Tsitsipas joined his academy at the early age of 17. Their partnership lasted until 2023 when Holger Rune made his position and the Greek ATP star finally found his way out. Now that the slot is vacant again after their recent split-up, there’s a high possibility of a reunion.

Although there are no official announcements or hints regarding this setup’s commencement, the base that these rumors are swirling around appears to be strong enough. However, this isn’t the first time Tsitsipas decided to take a break from his father’s guidance.

When Stefanos Tsitsipas decided to give his dad a break

Stefanos Tsitsipas has navigated a long way in the world of tennis with Apostolos by his side. However, their journey has seen moments of having a break due to varying reasons. Looking back to the year 2023, the Greek’s coaching team experienced multiple changes in order to seek stability. Besides parting ways with Patrick Mouratoglou, he also decided to give his dad a break and bring in Mark Philippoussis, a former coach.

“My father right now, I gave him some time off. He hasn’t had time off since I’m 12 years old,” he said, during the same event last year. Mentioning how this decision is crucial, the 25-year-old added, “I think for him, it’s very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again.”

Tsitsipas split with his dad as he had an emotional narrative besides the strategic one.

“Parents can get emotional sometimes, and I completely understand that. 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,” he said, making it clear that the decision to part ways is not because of a disagreement. As the ATP star faced an unexpected defeat, it is highly likely that the fans might see a change in his team.