Stefanos Tsitsipas’ father strongly denounces Goran Ivanisevic’s public criticism of his son: ‘I didn’t like that he expressed his opinions publicly’

The tumultuous coaching partnership between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Goran Ivanisevic has resulted in a war of words as the Greek’s father and returning coach Apostolos Tsitsipas has given a befitting reply to the Croatian after he publicly criticised his son.

Ivanisevic’s stint as Tsitsipas’ coach lasted merely two tournaments and ended on a dramatic note following the World No. 28’s first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025 against Valentin Royer.

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Ivanisevic publicly criticised Tsitsipas

Following the match, the 2001 Wimbledon Champion did not defend his player, but rather pronounced himself as fitter than him. For perspective, Ivanisevic (53) is almost twice the age of Tsitsipas (27).

[Tsitsipas] wasn’t mentally or physically prepared at Wimbledon. Back problems, a million problems. I am three times fitter.” Ivanisevic said, as quoted by Tennis365.

Senior Tsitsipas gives befitting reply to Ivanisevic

Goran’s words seemingly irked Apostolos Tsitsipas, who has now returned to his son’s coaching set-up after an extended period. The senior Tsitsipas expressed his displeasure with Goran, stating that the Croatian could have addressed the problems with the player privately rather than delivering a public censure.

“I didn’t like that he expressed his opinions publicly,” Tsitsipas’ father admitted, in a pre-US Open interview with Clay Tenis and RG Media.

“Probably Goran saw something he didn’t like. He should have identified it at the beginning of their professional relationship with Stefanos and discussed it personally with Stefanos and his team and tell him what he wants from him.

“Goran is a professional, I’m sure he has his own ideas, how to make things working, but definitely he should have done it personally with Stefanos.

“It’s interesting for the public to know about all these things, but the most important for the people is to see Stefanos playing good tennis.

“And the responsible about that are the members of his team. We are teachers. Coaches must create the right environment for the player to develop.”

While the episode could go down as a memorable instance when a father came to the defense of his son, as far as on-court performances are concerned, Apostolos may not be able to make the case for his son, as Stefanos has now lost seven of his last 10 matches, including, most recently, in the second round of the US Open 2025.