‘It’s a Heavy Relationship’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas Discloses Envy Over Ben Shelton’s Dynamic With His Father

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about his decision to end his coaching relationship with his father, Apostolos, while shedding light on his current partnership with coach Thomas Perrin. The Greek also highlighted the unique challenge of father-son coaching dynamics, while expressing his admiration for Ben Shelton’s partnership with his father, Bryan.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Hails Ben Shelton’s Father Bryan as the ‘Perfect Example’

Although Tsitsipas’ father played a significant role in his career as his primary coach, their partnership was often turbulent, with the pair seen arguing during matches. Shortly before Wimbledon, the former world No. 3 confirmed that he had ended their coaching relationship for good, emphasizing that the split was permanent, unlike their brief separation in 2024.

Tsitsipas has since gone on to triumph at the Swiss Open Gstaad, ending a 16-month wait for his 13th tour-level title. After kicking off his North American hardcourt swing with a first-round loss to Alex de Minaur at the Mubadala DC Open, he entered the qualifiers for the Canadian Open.

The Greek defeated Keegan Rice 6-3, 6-4 to reach the main draw of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montréal. He then claimed a dominant 6-4, 6-4 win over Martin Damm Jr. in the first round.

During his post-match press conference, Tsitsipas admitted that his coaching partnership with Thomas Perrin should have started much earlier. He said he had been “too patient” and “too nice” in the past, seemingly alluding to his dynamic with his father.

“Well, it’s a chapter that should have started a long time ago. I guess I was too patient with my time and too nice with handling certain things, to take so much time to proceed with the change. But it’s how life works. Certain things come at a certain time,” Tsitsipas said.

With Perrin having spent many years at renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy, the Greek also spoke positively about working under Mouratoglou’s guidance.

“I want it to be done with a coach that I am happy with right now. And he’s someone that I trust,” he continued. “Patrick is also someone that is supervising as well. So these are the people that have been with me since day one, people that believe in the academy, people that want the best for me, and that’s the most important, working with those that will bleed for you.”

Tsitsipas then highlighted that father-son coaching relationships have become increasingly uncommon on the ATP Tour. He pointed out that such dynamics were very emotionally “heavy,” while acknowledging that they have worked well for Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev.

“So that would still be like minority of players coached by their father. The only one I can think of is Zverev, Shelton,” he said. “You don’t see it very often. It’s a heavy relationship. And for some it works, which is great. Like for Zverev and Shelton, it works.”

Tsitsipas even expressed his envy of the dynamic between Shelton and his father, revealing that he wished his own coaching relationship with his father had been similar. He also hailed Bryan Shelton as the “perfect” example of a father-coach.

“And sometimes I actually wish, to be honest, I see Shelton’s father. He’s an example to me of how a father should be around his child playing competitive tennis. Like he’s the perfect example, and I see him, and I’m like sometimes wishing things were like that, but unfortunately they aren’t,” he said.

“But I am a big fan of Shelton. I am a big fan of his father and the way their dynamic works. So I see it as a great example,” he added.

MORE: ‘Easy To Get Lost in Your Mind’ – Ben Shelton Addresses Title Defense Expectations in Montréal

Up next, Stefanos Tsitsipas will face a tough test against No. 22 seed João Fonseca in the second round of the Canadian Open. Meanwhile, No. 5 seed Ben Shelton will kick off his title defense against Jenson Brooksby, following a first-round bye.

If both Tsitsipas and Shelton reach the fourth round of the ATP Masters 1000 event, they will set up a blockbuster battle for a spot in the quarterfinals.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.