Call it the Greek Connection.
Stefanos Tsitsipas says that his teaching partnership with Mark Philippoussis, an Australian with a proud Greek heritage, has been a powerful success. The former Wimbledon and US Open finalist joined Tsitsipas’ father Apostolos within the coaches’ field within the second half of final season. And the chemistry labored from the beginning.
“Mark is a really clever man, he has quite a lot of data,” Tsitsipas mentioned forward of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. “I believe the truth that he’s lived these items himself on the tour and he’s in a position to present some [advice] to me now could be important. He supplies quite a lot of suggestions. He can relate to quite a lot of issues which have occurred to me and sees a bit little bit of himself in me in some circumstances and conditions.
“I very a lot get pleasure from this relationship that the 2 of us have. There’s a lot compatibility by way of group chemistry but in addition our philosophy behind the tennis we’re making an attempt to pursue.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas practises on the 2023 Australian Open whereas Coach Mark Philippoussis watches on. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Boasting a 13-2 file in 2023, the Australian Open finalist turns his consideration to the California desert, the place he will likely be in motion Friday towards Australian Jordan Thompson, who Tsitsipas has defeated in each of their conferences (‘19 Washington, D.C., ‘22 Wimbledon).
Tsitsipas’ greatest end in Indian Wells was a quarter-final look in 2021, when he was ousted by eventual finalist Nikoloz Basilashvili. Set to compete for the primary time for the reason that ATP 500 in Rotterdam, the 24-year-old is thrilled to be again on the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“This match at all times has such good vitality,” Tsitsipas mentioned. “The followers listed here are unimaginable. For me, it’s been some time since I’ve stepped on court docket and performed a match. It’s nice being again right here.”
Tsitsipas shared that the 15 matches he’s performed this 12 months have taken a toll on his physique. But that hasn’t stopped the nine-time tour titlist from competing in the course of the Sunshine Double, the place he has an opportunity to turn out to be World No. 1 following Miami if he wins one title and reaches one other last in the course of the stretch.
“I’ve had quite a lot of tennis the final couple months,” Tsitsipas mentioned. “I believe I’m paying the invoice for it now, which is okay. I’m nonetheless very a lot in love with this recreation and I [made] the choice to come back right here and take a look at my greatest.”
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Source: www.atptour.com