Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former world No. 3, has overcome a slow start and off-court upheaval to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff at the Cincinnati Open. Tsitsipas, who recently parted ways with his father as his head coach, admitted to being in a "bad place" after losing the first set. However, he rallied to win the next two sets and secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Tsitsipas's win comes amidst a period of transition in his career. He is now working with childhood friend Dimitris Chatzinikolaou as he weighs more permanent coaching options. Tsitsipas acknowledged the challenges of such changes but emphasized the importance of focusing on his own abilities and finding the right people to support him.
"The right people adjust and they make it work for you and they make it work around you," Tsitsipas said. "Once you find these people, it's a big relief for your tennis because you're able to communicate in great ways."
Tsitsipas also expressed gratitude for the emotional support he has received from his girlfriend, Paula Badosa, a former world No. 2. He clarified that his decision to part ways with his father was his own and not influenced by anyone else.
"This was entirely my decision, not influenced by anyone else," Tsitsipas said. "It was a difficult one to make, and I didn't actually advise with her, which I guess would have been a normal thing to do when you're in a relationship."
Tsitsipas will next face Jack Draper, who holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over the Greek star. Tsitsipas is hoping to build positive momentum ahead of the 2024 US Open, where he will aim to add to his two Grand Slam runner-up finishes.
Tags: #StefanosTsitsipas, #CincinnatiOpen, #CoachingChange, #JanLennardStruff, #PaulaBadosa
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