Days before Roland-Garros, Tsitsipas and Philippoussis part ways

On Tuesday, just five days before Roland-Garros, Mark Philippoussis announced on the end of his collaboration with world No 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas on social media

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Mark Philippoussis Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic

Élie Gaubert

May 24, 2023

Haresh Ramchandani

Stefanos Tsitsipas‘ preparation for Roland-Garros has been less than ideal as the Greek continues to chase his first Grand Slam tournament. Tsitsipas has not won a tournament on clay since the beginning of the season and has still not won against a top 10 player in 2023.

On Tuesday, his coach Mark Philippoussis announced on Instagram the end of his collaboration with the world No 5 in an emotional message.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your team,” the Australian wrote. “It was a walk and an unforgettable experience. I am proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.”

Mark Philippoussis announces on Instagram that he is no longer part of team Tsitsipas.

DL: Can’t help thinking he was a good influence and that it would have helped Stefanos to build on that relationship. pic.twitter.com/l7aQsAlEd7
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) May 23, 2023

The collaboration led to the Australian Open final in January

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Australian Open 2023 – © AI / Reuters / Panoramic

The collaboration between the two men lasted less than a year. The former Wimbledon and US Open finalist joined the Greek’s team midway through last season alongside the ubiquitous Apostolos, the father of Stefanos Tsitsipas. In a short time, the Australian still helped the world No 5 reach the Australian Open final in January, going down to Novak Djokovic.

The absence of Mark Philippoussis had been noticed in Rome but no explanation had been provided. Stefanos Tsitsipas, meanwhile, has yet to react to this announcement. Is he waiting for the arrival of a new mentor for Roland-Garros or will he be accompanied only by his parents?

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