By Chris Oddo | @Thefanchild | Monday June 16, 2025
Has started a new era Stefanos tsisisitisi.
Greek played-and won his first share with Goran Ivankevic in his workout box on Monday, beating Luciano Darderi, Italy 6-4 3-6 7-6 (5). Now ranked 25 years old, former -world no.3 hopes to rebuild his game and confidence with the legendary Croats at the top.
Ivansevic, who instructed Novak Djokovic in 12 big titles during his time, along with Grand Slam King, warned that there is no easy adjustment for the playing.
“I’m not a wizard who can make him work after a week,” he told ATP this weekend, as the pair practiced in trouble. “It’s a long process, but he is a great player. He was twice in the Grand Slam finals and had so many excellent victories, so I’m not worried he won’t come back.”
TsitsiAp announced the official pairing in late May.
Greek is 19-11 in the season with a title in Dubai.
“Goran’s experience, the passion for this sport and the champion mentality are things that I respect a lot, and I look forward to the journey forward with it,” he said on Instagram two weeks ago. “I’m optimistic about what we can build together.”
Ivanisevic, a former -world No.2 with 599 ATP wins and a Wimbledon title for his name, says he is identified in many ways.
“For me it is exciting because of his temperament,” Ivankevic told ATP. “Greek, Croatian are quite similar temperaments. He is a very aggressive player I like. I always liked the way he played and his style.”
Ivativic hopes to “put some entry into his game, like a server, as a service and volley”, which can help Greece in the grass and on any quick surface. “For me it’s actually a big challenge and I hope it will work well,” the 53-year-old added.
Stef fights through 💪@Steftsssipas Comes through a close battle 6-4 3-6 7-6 against Dardari to make R2 in Halle!#Dy25 Pic.twitter.com/qk297Rl69x
– Tenis TV (@tennistv) June 16, 2025
Ivansevic says in his mind Tsitsias is a high player after receiving his “advantage” again.
“He’s a top 10 player for me every day,” Ivankevic said. “At the moment he lost that little advantage. Many things happened and now he has to find it again.”
