Stefanos Tsitsipas defended himself by saying that all he does is live and breathe tennis after his former fitness coach, Christos Fiotakis, criticized him for his work ethic.
Tsitsipas thought Fiotakis’ remarks were a touch odd and seemed to be mocking his fellow Greek by saying he wanted more tennis-specific players on his side.
Following his defeat in the quarterfinals of the French Open by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, Tsitsipas broke up with Fiotakis. The fitness coach had been employed by Tsitsipas for some years before his full-time hire ahead of the 2024 campaign.
After Roland Garros, Fiotakis declared that he and Tsitsipas were no longer working together, and he was not hesitant about putting doubt on his countryman’s commitment.
Fiotakis said about Tsitsipas: “We have other priorities and I am not satisfied with Stefanos’ work ethic. Right now, I don’t think his ultimate focus is on playing tennis and getting to the top of the rankings or winning Grand Slams.”
Before his performance at the All England Club, Tsitsipas talked about the criticism he received recently from a member of his previous team.
Tsitsipas said: “Anyway, our last written agreement expired after Roland Garros and we would see if we could continue. We had a contract from the beginning of January until the end of Roland Garros. It was his decision to come out and say what he said. I work hard every day and when I hear someone say that I’m not putting in the work and that I’m not dedicated and focused on what I’m doing, it seems a little strange to me.”
He added: “All I do all day is live and breathe tennis. Others may have a different view of what I do, but I won’t go against it. It is his right to believe anything about me. I have higher expectations for the Roland Garros quarterfinals, and I really believe that I can achieve more. Just because I didn’t make it this year doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. I will try to have people next to me who are more specialised in tennis.”
Tsitsipas in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.11, Stefanos owns a composed 30-11 win-loss record in 2024. Stefanos is competing in Wimbledon where he managed to beat the world no.84 Taro Daniel 7-65 6-4 7-5.
The Greek clinched 1 title in 2024 in Monte-Carlo. Stefanos was the finalist in Barcelona (Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell).
Tsitsipas won 12 titles in his career: 1 on hard courts, 5 on clay courts, 5 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Tsitsipas is scheduled to compete next in Gstaad (EFG Swiss Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 15th of July.