What Happened
Stefanos Tsitsipas, a prominent Greek tennis player and former World No. 3, has recently begun working with Goran Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion and experienced coach. This partnership was announced following Tsitsipas’s performance at the 2025 Roland Garros, where he faced challenges that contributed to his current ranking of No. 25 in the ATP standings. Ivanisevic expressed confidence in Tsitsipas’s abilities, stating that he believes Tsitsipas is a “Top 10 player any day” and emphasizing the potential for Tsitsipas to regain his competitive edge.
During their initial practice session at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Ivanisevic noted that while Tsitsipas has experienced a dip in form, he possesses the talent and temperament necessary to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. Tsitsipas’s current season record stands at 18 wins and 11 losses, with a title secured in Dubai earlier in the year. Ivanisevic’s goal is to help Tsitsipas improve his performance, particularly on grass courts, where Tsitsipas has historically struggled.
Key Details
- Current Ranking: Tsitsipas is ranked No. 25 in the ATP rankings as of mid-June 2025.
- Career Highlights: He is a 12-time ATP Tour champion and has reached two Grand Slam finals.
- Recent Performance: Tsitsipas has a season record of 18-11, including a title win in Dubai.
- Coaching Change: Goran Ivanisevic joined Tsitsipas’s team after the 2025 Roland Garros, aiming to leverage his experience to enhance Tsitsipas’s game.
- Grass Court Performance: Tsitsipas has a career record of 22-17 on grass, which is considered his least successful surface.
Multiple Perspectives
Goran Ivanisevic’s perspective is optimistic; he sees potential in Tsitsipas and believes that with the right guidance, Tsitsipas can return to the top tier of men’s tennis. Ivanisevic’s experience as a player who overcame personal challenges adds credibility to his coaching approach. He acknowledges that the journey to improvement will take time and is not a quick fix.
Conversely, some analysts may point to Tsitsipas’s recent struggles as indicative of deeper issues, such as mental resilience or adaptability on different surfaces. While Ivanisevic emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, critics might argue that Tsitsipas needs to demonstrate consistent performance before he can be considered a top contender again.
Context & Background
Stefanos Tsitsipas emerged as a leading figure in men’s tennis, known for his aggressive playing style and strong serve. His rise to prominence included notable victories and a reputation for being one of the most talented young players on the tour. However, the competitive landscape of tennis is continually evolving, with emerging players and established stars alike challenging for dominance.
The decision to hire Ivanisevic reflects a strategic move by Tsitsipas to revitalize his career amid a challenging season. Ivanisevic’s track record, including his coaching success with Novak Djokovic, suggests that he could provide valuable insights and strategies to enhance Tsitsipas’s game, particularly on grass, where mental fortitude is crucial.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic embark on this new coaching relationship, it remains uncertain how quickly Tsitsipas will be able to implement changes and improve his performance. The effectiveness of their collaboration will be tested in upcoming tournaments, particularly on grass courts, where Tsitsipas has historically faced difficulties.
Additionally, the long-term implications of this coaching change on Tsitsipas’s career trajectory are still unknown. Will he be able to regain his position among the top players? How will the dynamics of their working relationship evolve over time? These questions will be critical to monitor as the season progresses.
