Christos Fiotakis, a fitness coach who recently departed Stefanos Tsitsipas' team, is now openly criticizing the Greek tennis star. Fiotakis claims he left due to dissatisfaction with Tsitsipas' work ethic and the belief that the 25-year-old's main focus wasn't solely on tennis.
Having been part of Tsitsipas' team for a couple of years, Fiotakis joined full-time for the 2024 season. However, following Tsitsipas' straight-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open quarterfinals, Fiotakis chose to end their collaboration.
Reflecting on their time together, Fiotakis expressed satisfaction in helping Tsitsipas recover from a back injury sustained late in 2023. Yet, regarding Tsitsipas' performance in 2024, Fiotakis indicated disappointment that the Greek player didn't achieve the goals they had set.
"I'm closing this chapter after striving to achieve maximum results up until Roland Garros," Fiotakis told SDNA. "Unfortunately, the team dynamic didn't align with my energy and other priorities. While I wish him the best and continued health, I feel I've given a lot to the team and learned immensely during the intense seven months on tour with such a high-level athlete. Hopefully, he'll come to understand my perspective and reach the pinnacle."
Fiotakis' decision coincides interestingly with Tsitsipas' strongest part of the season. Prior to the clay season, Tsitsipas' performance was inconsistent, with a semifinal appearance in Los Cabos being the standout. However, during the clay season, Tsitsipas improved, winning the Monte Carlo Masters, finishing as a runner-up in Barcelona, and reaching the quarterfinals in Rome and at Roland Garros.
Nevertheless, Fiotakis sensed a change during or after the French Open, leading to his decision to part ways with Tsitsipas. "I was particularly looking forward to the Olympics in Paris," he added, "hoping we could secure gold, which we missed out on in Tokyo due to unfortunate circumstances."
"As it stands," Fiotakis continued, "I'm dissatisfied with Stefanos' work ethic. I believe his primary focus isn't solely on tennis, ranking high, or winning Grand Slams. Therefore, I can't commit to traveling continuously for seven months, with minimal time at home, when goals aren't ambitious and travel serves no clear purpose."
"I have significant responsibilities at home and prefer to channel my energy towards different individuals daily, helping them achieve their fitness goals stress-free."
