Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas is undoubtedly making strides toward superstardom. Having consistently ranked in the world’s Top-5 for several years, his elegant single-handed backhand is a work of art. However, although he may hold the no. 11 spot in the global rankings, Tsitsipas has also been in the detractors’ crosshairs for personal and professional reasons.

He has a staunch supporter in the form of his mother Julia Salnikova, a former professional tennis player. Julia discussed in an interview his son’s rather impulsive decision to change his coach, previously also his father.

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Mother Wanted Her Son to Achieve Every High, Even If It Meant A New Coach

In a recent interview with Sports Express Russia, Julia Salnikova revealed how she supported Tsitsipas’ decision to change his coach. She also talked about her husband’s reaction to the same, saying, “He was probably offended. But I would never allow my son to be deprived of this opportunity. I think that if a person has shown interest in something, he should definitely try it – otherwise, he will regret it all his life.”

“Therefore, when the conversation first started that Styopa wanted another coach, his mood was decadent: they say, I want it, but of course, you won’t allow it! You should have seen my son’s surprised look when my first reaction was: “Of course, try it, Styopa!” And only then did I add: “Just tell us – who do you want?”

However, just two months after hiring Mark Philippoussis, Tsitsipas decided to switch back to his father, ending his brief collaboration with the Australian coach. Julia opens up about the time and discloses some vital details about the fallout.

“It was just a nightmare, to be honest. Unfortunately, everything just didn’t work. Previously he worked with Thomas Enquist. They suited each other very well as human beings, both of them taciturn. But Enqvist is a back-row player, and a defensive one at that. Styopa cannot play such a game. His height, weight, leverage – everything is different…in human terms, “chemistry” did not happen,” revealed Julia.

Read More: ‘It Was A Dream’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Most Emotional Career Moment Revisited By His Father In A Heartfelt Confession

Apart from this rough patch, it’s a well-known fact that Tsitsipas and his father share a special bond. He has time and again established this fact and exhibited his belief in Apostolos’ ability to coach him.

Stefanos Tsitsipas On his Father – ‘He is everything to me’

Just like many other tennis stars, Tsitsipas too comes from a tennis-oriented family background; his mother, Julia, played professionally on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour, while his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, pursued a career as a tennis coach. While recalling the sacrifices Apostolos made to ensure his progress, Tsitsipas showed unshakable confidence in his father’s role as a mentor and a coach. Talking to Europsport last year, when asked about what he thought of his father as his coach, the Greek mentioned his father’s ability to learn and evolve according to the challenge at hand.

“He is everything to me,” he replied. “He left his job for me when I was twelve. He has evolved day by day, learning as much as possible – whether online, through books, or other means. He is down to earth and aware that he is not perfect – like me. That brings me closer to him.”

Cementing his father’s position as his mentor he adds, “And he’s not just any coach. He has the knowledge and has worked with professionals before me. He knows what he is doing. He belongs by my side,” 

Stefanos Tsitsipas remains a prominent figure in tennis, underscoring the significance of family, perseverance, and steadfast backing.