'I didn't insult him': Tsitsipas' ex-coach breaks silence, confirms Greek star's father as replacement

(Getty/Dan Istitene)

Goran Ivanišević has spoken for the first time since parting ways with Stefanos Tsitsipas, ensuring "no hard feelings", but clarified his controversial comments post-Wimbledon.

Tsitsipas, who bowed out in the first-round at the All England Club through injury, hired Ivanišević for the grass court swing, in a player-coach relationship that survived only a few weeks.

"Working with Goran was a brief but intense experience and a truly valuable chapter in my journey," the two-time Slam finalist wrote on Instagram.

"I'm thankful for the time, effort and energy he dedicated to me and my team. As we are now following our separate ways, I have only respect for Goran — not just for what he's achieved in tennis, but also for who he is as a person."

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Once handed the responsibility of coaching Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina, Ivanišević was interviewed by Croatian outlet HTR Sport to share details of the mutual agreement.

"We spoke yesterday, no hard feelings, we thanked each other. He decided to try again with his father, and honestly, I truly believe this – the only person who can coach him is his dad," the 2001 Wimbledon champion said.

"He played his best tennis with him; his dad knows him best, this is a family project. It's the best decision. I wish him all the best, he's too good of a player to be where he is. And yesterday I told him again that nothing will change unless he sorts some things out in his head."

As mentioned by the 53-year-old, Tsitsipas' father, Apostolos, has rejoined his son's team as coach despite parting ways in August last year.

Days after Tsitsipas was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon mid-match due to a back injury, Ivanišević, who was still coach at the time, revealed explosive comments about the former world No.3's lack of preparation.

However, Ivanišević was quick to pour cold water over the incident, which he believes was blown out of proportion.

"I didn't insult him… I told him all of that; it's not like I was saying it behind his back. Now it seems like you can't say anything anymore," he said.

"I said it honestly, to get a reaction. That's how this generation is. Unfortunately, that's how it is; everyone sees it.

"He feels it too, and he knows. If you're not mentally, physically, and emotionally ready, especially mentally, to play for hours with the best, then you have no chance of playing tennis. He wasn't mentally ready to play at Wimbledon.

"I hope he'll find his path. I wish him all the best. We know the results he's had; he hasn't forgotten how to play tennis."

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