Breaking up isn’t hard to do for Stefanos Tsitsipas and Mark Philippoussis.
The Greek tennis star parted ways with his coach for the second time this summer, following his upset loss at the US Open to qualifier Dominic Stricker.
Tsitispas, ranked No. 7 in the world, lost in a five-set heartbreaker to the No. 128-seeded Stricker, 7-5, 6-7 (2), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-3, forcing the Greek star to reconsider his coaching decision once again.
“I felt like I was out of rhythm. My partnership with Mark is over,” Tsitsipas told the Greek media after the match, according to Eurosport.
The 25-year-old, who has never made it past the third round at the U.S. Open, had removed Philippoussis — a big-serving star in the 90s, who reached No. 8 in the world — from his coaching staff in June but reinstated him earlier this month, which in turn gave his father Apostolos a “break” from coaching duties.
However, Tsitsipas took the blame for his upset, refusing to throw Philippoussis under the rug.
“By no means I’m supposed to put any blame on any people or any members of my team,” Tsitsipas said.
“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 added.
The surprising defeat was the latest disappointment for Tsitsipas, who made the finals at the Australian Open but hasn’t reached the same heights since, falling in the quarterfinals at French Open and the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
Tsitsipas is at a career “crossroads,” tennis writer Christopher Clarey wrote on X.
“He’s 25 & a 2-time major finalist. Happy in personal life & has clarified coaching situation with father in background. But new generation led by Alcaraz continues to impose itself & he needs to hit another gear soon or be left behind.”
Tsitsipas has won 10 career titles, including the Los Cabos tournament in Mexico this season.
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