Tsitsipas has no regrets about dumping father as coach

Stefanos Tsitsipas has no regrets at finally parting ways with his father as coach, with the former world No. 3 continuing rebuilding work on his game at the Montreal Masters.

The Greek who now stands just outside the top 50 after a month’s-long slump in form, had to go through qualifying in Canada, but on Tuesday reached the second round 6-4, 6-4 over Martin Damm, Jr,, namesake son of a former Czech player.

Tsitsipas is working with “outsiders” from the Mouratoglou academy after sacking sometimes-overbearing father Apostolos for a second time.

This time, the parting seems to have taken root, with a quick dividend coming in the form of a title last month on clay in Gstaad.

“it’s a it’s a chapter that should have started a long time ago. I guess I was too patient with my time and too nice with handling certain things, to take so much time to proceed with the change. But it’s how life works,” the player said.

“Certain things come at a certain time, I’m very Buddhist in that sort of philosophy. 

“Now we are here, and we are doing it the way I like it. I want it to be done, I want it to be done with a coach that I am happy with right now… someone that I trust.”

Tsitipas said his new group – which often includes his mother Juia – “want the best for me. That’s the most important, working with those that will bleed for you.”

The former top 10 regular and two-time Grand Slam runner-up said he had a lot to learn as he went through tournament qualifying rounds for the first time in years.

“I haven’t played qualis in the Masters 1000 in a very, very long time or even never before. So I don’t really know how it works, if you’re in qualifying, if you have to actually sign in, which I was not aware of.

“But we’re here now. I’m glad I’m getting to play my second round match, and I’ve come a long way. I’d say that.