After a turbulent season filled with early exits and surprising setbacks, Stefanos Tsitsipas seems to be finding his rhythm again at the Shanghai Masters. The Greek star has won his first two matches in straight sets, signaling a potential return to form just as he prepares to face long-time rival Daniil Medvedev. Central to this resurgence is the unwavering support of his mother, Julia Apostoli, who has become Tsitsipas’s mainstay both on and off the court.
Reflecting on his mother’s presence, Tsitsipas shared, “My mother…she’s the reason I play tennis today. She enjoys watching and supporting me, and her deep knowledge of tennis is invaluable.” Apostoli, a former professional player for the Soviet Union and Greece, offers a unique perspective that sets her apart from his father, Apostolos, who previously served as Tsitsipas’s primary coach until their professional split during the Canadian Open.
Tsitsipas’s decision to move away from his father’s coaching stemmed from their differing views, with the player explaining, “I need and deserve a coach that listens to me… I’m disappointed at him.” Despite this, his mother’s continued support has remained steady, acting as both a guiding presence and advocate for Tsitsipas. Interestingly, Apostoli even intervened in the infamous rivalry between her son and Medvedev, bridging a gap that began with a fiery exchange in 2018 but has since simmered down.
As the two competitors prepare for their Shanghai clash, Tsitsipas acknowledged their newfound respect: “He’s someone I respect much more now than before. We’ve had time to talk and reach a common understanding.”
With his mother’s quiet guidance and his recent momentum, Tsitsipas appears poised to face Medvedev once again, and fans are eager to see if this new chapter will bring him closer to the Shanghai title.
