Mark Philippoussis has despatched a cultured message after asserting he has cut up from tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Aussie nice had been a part of the Greek participant’s inside circle and served as a training mentor to the world No. 5.
The news has left followers devastated with Philippoussis identified to have been a stabilising, calm affect on the tennis star, who has famously struggled to maintain a harmonious relationship along with his mum and pop.
Philippoussis was working with Tsitsipas’ father Apastollos — who has coached his son for his whole profession.
Now, the 46-year-old has left the workforce simply days after Tsitsipas grew to become embroiled in a tennis scandal surrounding his mum, Julia Apostoli, who’s a Russian-born Greek former skilled participant.
Tsitsipas was heard yelling in the direction of his field throughout his semi-final loss on the Italian Open over the weekend and appeared to ask her to go away.
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Julia was then seen strolling up a number of stairs and sat on a unique seat.
Tennis commentator Nick Lester mentioned on TV on the time Tsitsipas was livid at her for giving directions whereas talking in Russian — throughout his match towards Russian star Daniil Medvedev, who went on to win the match.
Tsitsipas may very well be heard saying: “Are you stupid?”
The ugly second has been a storm in Greece — and the Philippoussis news has left Tsitsipas’ legion of followers frightened in regards to the 24-year-old.
Philippoussis had beforehand mentored Tsitsipas on an informal foundation earlier than he joined the workforce in an official teaching capability in July, 2022, following Tsitsipas’ notorious meltdown throughout his loss to Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon.
Philippoussis’ affect was broadly credited for being probably the most important elements in Tsitsipas’ run by way of to the ultimate of the Australian Open in January.
Tsitsipas was stuffed with reward for Philippoussis and described him as a chilled affect throughout the Aussie Open.
Philippoussis confirmed they’ve now parted methods with a cultured message on Instagram, which included a photograph of himself with Tsitsipas at Wimbledon.
“Thank for the opportunity of being a part of your team,” he wrote.
“It was a great ride and experience, I’m proud of what we achieved together in the short amount of time we had. I wish you health, happiness and success for your future, on and off the court.”
In March, Tsitsipas was nonetheless completely happy to speak about how a lot he was having fun with working with the Aussie coach.
“Mark is a very wise man, he has a lot of knowledge,” he mentioned at Indian Wells.
“I think the fact that he’s lived these things himself on the tour and he’s able to provide some [advice] to me now is essential. He provides a lot of feedback. He can relate to a lot of things that have happened to me and sees a little bit of himself in me in some circumstances and situations.”
He admitted on the Aussie Open that Philippoussis was employed partly to carry stability to his turbulent teaching state of affairs along with his dad and mom.
“The reason Mark is part of the team is because the dynamic has showed that it’s good,” he mentioned.
“There hasn’t been any friction. It’s been going well. We get along well, all of us. We understand each other.
“There’s never misunderstandings or things that lead to conflict. I’m enjoying this.
“I’ve been enjoying this even in 2022. He makes for a good guy to have next to my father that can advise him, that can help him, can help me.
“Hopefully I can help him as well through experience, vice versa.”
Philippoussis’ news was met with a flurry of feedback from followers asking him to return again to assist coach Tsitsipas.
Aussie tennis coach and ESPN tennis commentator Darren Cahill additionally responded to the submit by paying credit score to Philippoussis for serving to Tstitsipas make the ultimate at Melbourne Park this 12 months.
“Well done mate. The run at the AO was big,” Cahill wrote.
The news leaves Philippoussis as a free agent on the teaching circuit, nevertheless, the job will not be one thing the previous World No. 8 has ever beforehand chased.
The two-time Davis Cup-winning hero has famously prevented the highlight since his retirement.
His most shocking look in retirement was as a contestant on the 2021 season of actuality TV present SAS: Australia.
He opened up about his private life throughout the present and talked about his well-known Playboy way of life in the direction of the tip of his enjoying profession.
After shedding the hearth to compete on the highest stage, Philippoussis tried to fill the void in different methods.
“I was (buying new) cars because I would get bored. Or I’d watch this new movie Bad Boys (and see) they got the new Porsche turbo, and you’d call up your agent to find me the new Porsche turbo,” he mentioned.
“That’s how ridiculous it was. So, the prize money doesn’t make you happier but it ends up becoming the new norm.
“Sometimes now I just shake my head and laugh and think, ‘What an idiot’.”
Source: www.news.com.au
