Goran Ivanisevic is no longer Stefanos Tsitsipas' coach. However,tensions between the Croat and the high-profile coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, are rising following a public disagreement over coaching ethics and approach.
Goran openly criticized Stefanos, his dedication and motivation to work on necessary improvements. The Croat also questioned the Greek's physical shape, describing it as the worst he has ever seen.
Mouratoglou slammed those comments, calling them devastating for the player himself and asking Ivanisevic to consider a different approach in the future.
Recently, Goran responded by questioning the professionalism of airing such opinions publicly. Known for his direct style, the Split native believes that disputes between coaches should be handled privately.
Rather than engaging in a media back-and-forth, Goran has other plans! He wants to address the matter face-to-face with the famous coach if their paths cross in Toronto and Cincinnati.
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The Croat remains confident in his principles and hopes to clarify things with his colleague in person, rather than escalating the exchange through interviews or social media.
The partnership between Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic lasted for a couple of weeks. However, the fallout has opened a broader discussion about mutual respect among coaches on the ATP Tour.
For Goran, the incident is unnecessary and avoidable.
"I will talk with Patrick when I see him. You do not do that. If he has a problem with me, he should call me and tell me what he thinks. I will explain to Patrick what I think instead of going around and telling everyone what I think of him.
At the moment, it's better to keep my opinion about him for myself and remain quiet. If I go to Toronto or Cincinnati, I'm more than excited at the idea of seeking Patrick to talk to him and explain certain things.
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I know why he said those things about me, but I have never had any issue with any coach in my life. Coaches should support each other and not go online to talk," Goran Ivanisevic said.
