Mark Philippoussis has rejoined Stefanos Tsitsipas' coaching team, but this time with a more prominent role as Apostolos Tsitsipas takes on a more withdrawn role.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has once again added Mark Philippoussis to his coaching team after the two worked in tandem earlier this year but the world number four dispensed with the Australian's services citing one too many coaches.
But now his father will take on a less significant role within his team, as Philippoussis rejoins as head coach.
Apostolos Tsitsipas "hasn't had time off since I was 12 years old," Stefanos said ahead of his campaign at the Masters 1000 in Toronto, so "I have given my father some time off."
"For him, it's very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again."
Nevertheless, Apostolos will still be seen at his tournaments and in close attendance, as Tsitsipas explained: "Of course I love him and I want him to be part of that journey that we have built together, he's not going anywhere. He's still with us, and he's still there following our path and journey."
Tsitsipas said that with his father taking a more distant role, he's hoping for "much more tranquility and calmness in the air when I'm competing."
The Greek's relationship with his father while playing at some of the biggest tournaments around the world has appeared strained over the years, with loud engagements between the pair, while his mother once appeared at his press conference to remind him of the possible success he could have with his parents closely involved. At the time, Stefanos was less convinced, offering a counterpoint about how few top players on the men's tour had their parents closely involved in their teams. Just two days after the press conference in February 2020, he said he felt his parents were "way too involved in his life."
This week, Tsitsipas went a step further, saying: "Parents can get emotional sometimes and I completely understand that," he said. "I can imagine how difficult it can be at times seeing your child give it their all and to be going through so much during a match."
Tsitsipas said Philippoussis, 46, has "been through a lot of moments in his career that he can identify and capture better.
"He's an incredible human being. He has helped me a lot and has been there for me. Even when people didn't see him around, he has been there behind closed doors."
Tsitsipas arrived in Canada fresh off winning the ATP 250 title in Los Cabos, Mexico, in the build up to the U.S. Open, due to get underway on 28 August.
Will Tsitspas ever win a Grand Slam?
Yes
No
Meanwhile, Tsitsipas said he regretted "certain things" that occurred in the wake of his run to the Australian Open final in January, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
Following that loss, he played through the pain barrier through large parts of February and March, including the sunshine double of tournaments in the United States of Indian Wells and Miami.
Tsitsipas reflected on "disappointing" periods this year, admitting the clay court season did not live up to his expectations.
He is keen, though, to finish the season on a high as he has "big standards."
The Greek defeated Alex De Minaur in straight sets last week to win the title in Los Cabos, his first ATP title in 14 months.
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