Apostolos Tsitsipas Reveals the Truth: Can Stefanos Finally Conquer a Grand Slam and Become World No.1?

Apostolos Tsitsipas, the father of Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas, recently shared his thoughts on his son’s career, his potential to win a Grand Slam tournament, and his journey to becoming the number one player in the world rankings. Apostolos, who stopped coaching Stefanos Tsitsipas in the summer of 2024, reflected on his son’s past, present, and future in an in-depth conversation on the Tennis Related podcast with Christos Antonopoulos.

According to Apostolos Tsitsipas, his son has made significant sacrifices throughout his career, pushing himself to the limit to reach the top levels of professional tennis. He emphasized that Stefanos Tsitsipas has developed a strong foundation that can help him continue winning ATP titles, claim Grand Slam trophies, and reach the top of the rankings.

The Drive to Become the Best

Apostolos Tsitsipas recalled that his son made crucial career decisions at a very young age. At just 14 or 15 years old, Stefanos Tsitsipas showed a deep commitment to his future as a tennis professional.

Apostolos Tsitsipas stated, “We looked into his eyes and saw that he was ready to dive into deep waters. And he did. He swam, he succeeded, and he proved that he truly meant it.”

From an early age, Stefanos Tsitsipas demonstrated mental toughness, discipline, and determination, which have been key factors in his rise to the top of men’s tennis. Apostolos Tsitsipas strongly believes that with continued focus and the right strategy, his son has what it takes to become the world number one player and win multiple Grand Slam titles.

A Career-Defining Victory Against Roger Federer

When asked about his most emotional moment as a coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas immediately recalled Stefanos Tsitsipas’ stunning victory over Roger Federer at the 2019 Australian Open.

“Stefanos’ victory over Roger Federer in Australia was unforgettable,” Apostolos Tsitsipas said.

Defeating Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, was a pivotal moment for Stefanos Tsitsipas. Not only was Federer his childhood idol, but at the time, Federer was also one of the most dominant Grand Slam champions.

“He defeated the best player at the time, someone who had won the most Grand Slam titles. It was an incredibly emotional moment for all of us,” he continued.

The victory over Roger Federer gave Stefanos Tsitsipas the confidence that he could compete with the best players in the world. It also proved that he had the skills, mindset, and resilience to become a top contender for Grand Slam titles.

The Path from Next Gen Champion to ATP Finals Winner

The victory against Roger Federer was not the only major milestone in Stefanos Tsitsipas’ career. Apostolos Tsitsipas pointed out that his son’s rapid development was evident in his transition from winning the Next Gen ATP Finals to claiming the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals title the following year.

The Next Gen ATP Finals is a tournament that features the best young tennis players in the world. Winning this event in 2018 was a clear sign that Stefanos Tsitsipas was on the right path. However, his true breakthrough came in 2019 when he defeated Dominic Thiem to win the Nitto ATP Finals, a tournament reserved for the top eight players in the world rankings.

Apostolos Tsitsipas stated, “His progression was remarkable. After winning the Next Gen Finals, he went on to win the Nitto Finals the following year. That showed that we were doing something right as a team.”

This achievement was a testament to Stefanos Tsitsipas’ ability to improve, adapt, and perform at the highest level. His journey from being a rising star to a legitimate contender for major championships showed that he was ready to take the next step in his career.

Lessons Learned and What Apostolos Would Do Differently

While Apostolos Tsitsipas is proud of his son’s achievements, he admitted that he would have done some things differently if he could go back 15 years.

“If I could turn back time, I would not change anything about his tennis career,” he said. “However, I would have placed greater emphasis on his education.”

According to Apostolos Tsitsipas, it is important for young athletes to have a well-rounded education and to develop interests outside of sports. He believes that having a strong educational background can provide a better understanding of life and help athletes manage their careers more effectively.

“I would have created more opportunities for him to learn about different subjects that interested him. I think it would have been important for him to better understand life beyond tennis,” he explained.

This perspective highlights the challenges that many young athletes face when dedicating their lives to a professional sports career. The intense focus required to reach the highest levels of tennis often comes at the expense of traditional education. However, Apostolos Tsitsipas believes that it is never too late to learn and grow beyond the sport.

Is a Grand Slam Victory Next for Stefanos Tsitsipas

With years of elite experience, multiple ATP titles, and deep runs in Grand Slam tournaments, many believe that Stefanos Tsitsipas is on the verge of claiming his first Grand Slam trophy.

His runner-up finishes at the French Open in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2023 proved that he is capable of competing for the biggest prizes in tennis. However, the final step to becoming a Grand Slam champion remains elusive.

Many tennis analysts and former players agree that Stefanos Tsitsipas has all the necessary tools to win a Grand Slam and reach number one in the ATP rankings. His strong baseline game, aggressive net play, and mental resilience make him a tough opponent for anyone on the ATP Tour.

Apostolos Tsitsipas firmly believes that his son has the ability to achieve greatness in the sport. With the right preparation, mindset, and strategic improvements, Stefanos Tsitsipas could soon lift his first Grand Slam trophy and become the number one player in the world.

Conclusion: The Future of Stefanos Tsitsipas

As Stefanos Tsitsipas continues his pursuit of Grand Slam glory, his father’s words serve as both a reflection on the past and a vision for the future. Apostolos Tsitsipas has no doubt that his son can reach the top of the ATP rankings and secure major championships in the coming years.

With the support of his team, fans, and personal determination, Stefanos Tsitsipas remains one of the most exciting tennis players to watch. The question now is when, not if, he will achieve his dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion and the world’s number one player.