Stefanos Tsitsipas is at a crossroads. His talent is undeniable. His desire, as Ivanisevic noted, still burns. But without the discipline, effort, and physical commitment required to compete with the best, none of that matters
Goran Ivanisevic has thrown down the gauntlet. It’s up to Tsitsipas to pick it up. Whether this brutal honesty marks the beginning of a comeback or the continuation of a decline will depend entirely on how the Greek star responds.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is not just battling injury—he’s battling an identity crisis as an athlete. He must now answer the toughest questions of his career: Do I still love this enough to fight through the pain? Do I still believe I can win?
His decision in the coming months will shape not only the rest of his career but perhaps the future of men’s tennis as well.
For now, fans can only hope that Tsitsipas finds the healing and clarity he seeks—and that the player who once lit up courts with fearless flair will return with fresh fire.
Table of Contents
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Goran Ivanisevic Blasts Greek Star After Wimbledon Exit
Stefanos Tsitsipas, once considered a Grand Slam contender with the potential to break the “Big Three” stronghold, has found himself at the center of scathing criticism—this time from within his own camp.1
Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion and recent addition to Tsitsipas’ coaching team, did not hold back after the Greek’s first-round exit at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.
His brutally honest remarks have sparked debate throughout the tennis world, highlighting the Greek star’s ongoing struggles and raising serious questions about his future.
A Disastrous Wimbledon Exit
The 2025 Wimbledon campaign was supposed to be an opportunity for Tsitsipas to reset and revitalize a season plagued by inconsistency.
However, the tournament ended before it truly began for the Greek. Facing French qualifier Valentin Royer in the opening round, Tsitsipas looked sluggish and out of sorts from the start. After dropping the first two sets, he cited lower back pain and gave Royer a walkover, ending his campaign in disappointing fashion.
This marked yet another early Grand Slam exit for Tsitsipas, who had already underperformed at the Australian Open and French Open earlier in the year.
Far from the consistent top-10 player he once was, Tsitsipas entered Wimbledon ranked World No. 26 and left with his confidence in further tatters.
Ivanisevic Unleashes Blistering Critique
In an interview with Sport Klub, Goran Ivanisevic did not mince words. The Croatian legend, known for his no-nonsense style, called out Tsitsipas’ lack of physical preparation and effort. “The desire is there, but he does nothing to improve things,” Ivanisevic said.
“At least I can’t notice his effort. Stefanos has to find a solution for his troubled back. I have never seen a more unprepared player in my life!”
Perhaps the most cutting line came when Ivanisevic compared his own physical condition to that of his 26-year-old pupil. “At my age and with the state of my knee, I’m in thrice better shape than him,” he said, in a statement that many viewed as a wake-up call—or a warning shot.
A Year of Regression for Tsitsipas
- Tsitsipas’ fall from the top tier of men’s tennis has been stark. After reaching the final of the 2021 French Open and the semifinal at the Australian Open in 2022, his form has steadily declined.
- Injuries, tactical limitations, and a growing perception of mental fragility have plagued his journey.
- This year, his record against top-20 players has been underwhelming, and his performances in key tournaments have been marred by inconsistency. His serve—once a reliable weapon—has grown increasingly erratic.
- His backhand, long considered a technical liability, has continued to be exploited by opponents. Most critically, his fitness has visibly regressed, as Ivanisevic so bluntly pointed out.
- While Tsitsipas cited lower back pain as the reason for his Wimbledon retirement, Ivanisevic seemed unconvinced by the Greek’s explanation.
- The coach emphasized that the injury is more of a symptom than the root cause. “You can’t compete at this level if you’re not in shape, plain and simple,” he said.
- There’s growing speculation that Tsitsipas’ training regime has failed to evolve with the physical demands of modern tennis.
- His peers—like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and even the aging Novak Djokovic—have shown superior fitness and resilience, exposing Tsitsipas’ physical vulnerabilities.
Stefanos Tsitsipas Responds: “Goran Never Lies”
Despite the public criticism, Tsitsipas has not pushed back against his coach’s remarks. In fact, he appears to welcome the honesty.2
Speaking to SDNA, the Greek star expressed admiration for Ivanisevic’s direct communication style. “Goran never lies. From day one, he told me things exactly as he saw them. He didn’t sugarcoat anything,” Tsitsipas said.
“I don’t want someone who’s there to please me. He doesn’t confuse me; he gives me clear information. He doesn’t overwhelm me or make me angry.”
This suggests that Tsitsipas recognizes the need for change and may be willing to undergo a mental and physical overhaul. But with his form spiraling and confidence dipping, the clock is ticking.
Some people walk on red carpets. I prefer green ones. 💚🌱🎾 pic.twitter.com/qc9rrxkZ4i
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@steftsitsipas) June 25, 2025
The Coaching Gamble: Will Ivanisevic Make a Difference?
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ decision to hire Goran Ivanisevic was a bold one. Known for his fiery temper and brutal honesty, Ivanisevic is the polar opposite of most modern coaches, who typically offer more tempered assessments.
Yet, Tsitsipas’ choice might reflect his desperation to return to form. Ivanisevic brings Grand Slam pedigree and recent coaching success, having guided Novak Djokovic through some of his most dominant seasons.
If anyone can toughen Tsitsipas up and force a transformation, it’s Ivanisevic.
But the Croatian coach made it clear: the responsibility lies with the player. “I can only help if he’s willing to work,” he said. “I won’t do the running for him.”
What’s Next for Stefanos Tsitsipas?
With three Grand Slams gone in 2025 and his ranking slipping, Tsitsipas now turns his attention to the North American hard court swing.3
But unless there is a radical improvement in both his fitness and mentality, he risks becoming irrelevant in the title picture.
The Greek’s supporters still hold hope that he can rekindle the form that once saw him dominate ATP 500 events and reach deep into Slams. But that version of Tsitsipas—full of flair, stamina, and self-belief—feels like a distant memory.
For now, all eyes will be on how he responds to Ivanisevic’s public lashing. Will it break him or motivate him?
Reputation and Expectations: A Double-Edged Sword
Tsitsipas has long been one of the most marketable players in the sport. With his charismatic personality, stylish play, and strong social media presence, he has attracted endorsements and a large fan base.
However, that same popularity adds pressure.
Every misstep is magnified. Every injury is scrutinized. Every statement, like Ivanisevic’s, generates headlines. The tennis world still wants Tsitsipas to succeed—but the time for excuses has passed. Now, it’s about results.
A Fork in the Road
The Ivanisevic era may have started with criticism, but perhaps that’s exactly what Tsitsipas needs.
The partnership represents a last-chance saloon of sorts for the Greek. If he can buy into the hard truths and embrace the grind, he might resurrect his career.
But if he continues down the current path—marked by injuries, mental lapses, and subpar conditioning—the former top-five star could find himself fighting just to remain in the top 50.
In many ways, 2025 could prove to be a defining year for Stefanos Tsitsipas. And with Goran Ivanisevic in his corner, there will be nowhere to hide.
Also Read: Paula Badosa Shares Heartfelt Message to Boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas After Emotional Tribute
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Future Amidst Physical and Mental Battles
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s withdrawal from Wimbledon 2025 was a heartbreaking moment, both for fans and for the Greek star himself.
While the official announcement cited physical struggles as the reason for his walkover loss in the first round, what followed in the press conference was even more revealing—and concerning.
Tsitsipas, visibly emotional, hinted at something far more serious: the possibility of early retirement.
A Shocking Statement From a Global Tennis Star
In his post-match interview, Tsitsipas didn’t mince words. He acknowledged that his body is not allowing him to perform the way he wants and expressed deep frustration over his ongoing struggles.
“If I see this is going on the same direction, there is no point of competing. As a person, I have a limit,” he said. “I will definitely have to make a final decision of whether I want to keep going or not in the next few months.”
This kind of statement is unusual from a player still in his prime. At 26, Tsitsipas is expected to be entering the peak years of his career. Yet the toll of constant injuries and the psychological weight of repeated withdrawals are starting to cast serious doubt on his future.
View this post on Instagram
An Ongoing Battle Since the ATP Finals in Turin
Tsitsipas revealed that this wasn’t an isolated incident. In fact, his issues go back as far as the ATP Finals in Turin a couple of years ago. Since then, injuries have become a recurring theme in his journey.
“I’ve been through a lot of battles lately, and it’s very painful to see myself in this kind of situation,” he admitted. “One of the things I hate the most is retiring or pulling out of a match.”
To anyone who has followed Tsitsipas closely, his words resonated with a harsh truth: a supremely talented athlete, battling not just opponents across the net, but his own body and mind.
The Psychological Toll of Repeated Withdrawals
The physical issues are evident, but what’s less visible is the emotional toll. Tsitsipas’s comments at Wimbledon hint at a deeper, more personal struggle.
For a player who thrives on rhythm, form, and momentum, the constant disruptions have severely impacted his confidence.
Each withdrawal chips away at his self-belief. For an elite athlete, that erosion of inner strength is sometimes more damaging than a physical injury.
The sense of helplessness—knowing you’re capable of more, yet being unable to perform—can create an emotional spiral that’s hard to escape.
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Focus Shifts to Recovery and the US Open
For now, Tsitsipas has his eyes set on healing. The US Open in August looms as his last Grand Slam opportunity of the season, and possibly a turning point in his career.
His camp has indicated that full recovery will be the priority, with no rush to return to competition until he’s 100% ready. That means skipping smaller tournaments if necessary and focusing on long-term health over short-term results.
“The US Open is the main target,” a source close to his team reportedly said. “If he can be healthy and pain-free there, it could be the reset he desperately needs.”
Support From the Tennis Community
As the news of his comments spread, support poured in from fellow players and fans alike. Many expressed sympathy and encouragement, highlighting how difficult it is to maintain top-level tennis amidst ongoing injuries.
Former world No. 1s like Andy Murray and Juan Martín del Potro—both of whom dealt with similar injury-related career setbacks—have publicly offered their support, encouraging Tsitsipas not to give up.
Even Rafael Nadal, who has battled injuries throughout his own storied career, once said:
“Sometimes, the body needs to speak louder than your ambitions.”
Could a Break Be the Answer?
Many wonder if a complete break from tennis—perhaps a six-month sabbatical—could help Tsitsipas rediscover both his physical strength and mental clarity.
Such breaks have helped other players in the past. Roger Federer took extended time off in 2016 due to injury and came back to win three more Grand Slams.
Given Tsitsipas’s current state, a similar approach might not be such a bad idea. It would give his body time to heal fully and allow him to mentally recharge without the pressure of weekly results and rankings.
The Fear of Being Forgotten
One of the silent fears among top athletes is the fear of being left behind. The men’s game has seen a new wave of young stars emerge: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune have all captured the spotlight in recent months.
For someone like Tsitsipas, who was once hailed as the future of tennis, it’s hard to watch the next generation race ahead.
This mental burden—of watching peers and juniors rise while you’re stuck on the sidelines—can deepen feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Yet, Tsitsipas’s journey isn’t over unless he decides it is.
Also Read: US Open 2024: Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Performance at the US Open and Partnership
