Goran Ivanisevic reveals that he knew his relationship with Tsitsipas wouldn’t last.

Goran Ivanisevic, the legendary Wimbledon champion, left no doubt about his brief collaboration with Stefanos Tsitsipas. In a bombshell revelation, Ivanisevic stated that “I knew after the second day of training” that the partnership with the young Greek had no future. This statement came to light shortly after Tsitsipas’s surprising elimination by American Matteo Gigante at the recent French Open, raising questions about the effectiveness of the new coach-player relationship.

After parting ways with his father, who had coached him for years, Tsitsipas decided to take a new direction by teaming up with Ivanisevic. However, the partnership was short-lived, lasting only two grass tournaments, where the Greek managed just one win and two losses. The former world number 3 faced significant challenges, including a painful retirement in the first round of Wimbledon against Valentin Royer, a player ranked 113th. Back pain was a crucial factor in this outcome.

Ivanisevic, in an interview with Sportklub, did not shy away from criticizing his former pupil. “When he came to Zagreb to try out the rackets, I realized it wouldn’t work. In the end, I didn’t say anything bad; everything I stated was true and has proven to be so. After Wimbledon, I advised him to take four months off, as it was not just a physical issue, but also a mental one,” the Croatian emphasized.

He stressed the importance of mental preparation in modern tennis, recalling his own struggles when he fell to 128th in the rankings. “He remains a phenomenal player, but in today’s tennis, you cannot compete without being mentally prepared,” Ivanisevic stated, expressing concern over the Greek’s lack of progress. “If he resolves some issues outside of tennis, he will have a chance to return to where he deserves to be, as he is too good to be outside the top 10.”

Tsitsipas’s situation took an unexpected turn when, shortly after the end of the partnership, he announced a new reconciliation with his father, which he described as “the boldest step forward.” In an emotional message on Instagram, the Greek expressed gratitude for being able to share the court with someone who has always believed in him.

Now, Tsitsipas is preparing for the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where he has already won the title three times. The pressure is on his shoulders, and the next steps will be crucial in determining whether he can overcome the challenges that have plagued him recently.

The future of Tsitsipas is uncertain, but one thing is certain: the journey of one of the most promising talents in world tennis is far from over. With the return to his father’s side, the Greek hopes to regain his form and, perhaps, shine on the courts once again.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.