Tsitsipas: "You need to correct having people by your side who bring out the worst in you"

Stefanos Tsitsipas has achieved one of his most important victories in recent years by defeating Arthur Fils in the first round of the US Open 2026 , one of the big favorites to win the title. Moreover, after the match, he reiterated the importance of his father no longer being his coach due to the toxic atmosphere within the team.

During his press conference, Stefanos spoke about the change that such a victory can bring to his game and confidence and how necessary it was for him to have a change of environment in his coaching box. Now that his father is no longer on the bench, even their relationship off the court is good, both realizing that things couldn't continue that way if he didn't want to remain stagnant. For now, the decision is already paying off.

Tsitsipas analyzes his important victory over Fils

It was a very psychologically demanding match. I knew that from the beginning. I was coming off a good streak in Cincinnati, so I knew I was facing a well-prepared Arthur Fils. My goal from the start of the match was simply to try to stay on the court for as long as possible. I was mentally ready for a great battle. I didn't know how well I would play; what I could control was my behavior on the court and my attempt to stay there as long as possible.

I am very proud of how I fought. There were many difficult moments today, and it was very demanding psychologically, especially when you are winning and your serve gets broken, and you feel like you're about to, as we say in Greece, drink water from the well (smiling). Yes, overall, a great assessment of my game. I hadn't played like this in a while, so it's a refreshing feeling to see myself compete that way and to be able to fully immerse myself in such a vibrant environment as New York. I had so much fun.

Team change

Personally, I felt that I needed it. I needed a different voice. I needed someone who could bring a bit more calm to my tennis world. I used to be surrounded by a lot of chaos and noise. It took me a long time to understand it and realize that I could no longer deal with that. I also felt that I matured. For me, this type of thing was no longer as beneficial. It probably was when I was younger, and it didn't bother me much; it didn't often get in the way of my goals. But as I grew older, my eyes opened more, and my horizons expanded.

I saw more, experienced more, and got lost in that process several times, even using bad language. Personally, I’m not one to speak that way with those around me, so I definitely regret that. I also realized that having people who bring out the worst in you instead of the best is something that needs to be corrected. Although I love my father, with whom I work, and we have a wonderful relationship off the tennis court, this type of dynamic no longer benefits me much, so I really needed that change.

Relief after this victory

Well, of course, you saw it in my reaction after the match. I was actually very calm in that last game, very calm. I didn't think too much about what the outcome could be on the next points, so I just played each point individually. I didn't worry too much about the future. It was a refreshing feeling to see that ace come off my racket. It's a big win for me. Although, you know, I've been competing there for a while, it’s one of those victories that really enhances my game.

Ups and downs over the last few years

It's very easy to lose confidence, especially when you haven’t beaten the best players in a while. That's why I'm so euphoric today. It's an important victory for me, for my confidence. It's one of those moments you can remember and think: “I still have the game I’m looking for, I still have the shots, and the quality is still there.” Matches like these give me a lot to work with. I haven't played many this year. I haven't gone far in tournaments as much as I would have liked. 

Victories like this contribute greatly to my personal growth as a player, and they certainly give me confidence and improve my game, considering all the sacrifices I’ve made, working so hard, getting up early to train, and then going to the gym. These are the things you always think about. And the people closest to you, they are the type of people that come to mind when you manage to get through a match like that.

Tsitsipas reveals that he even doubted himself

When you don’t receive much feedback on the matches you’ve won,
it starts to weigh on you a bit. I think that's normal. Anyone, whether the best in the world or not, will lie to you saying they may not have any doubts or anything in mind that reminds them, for example, that they couldn’t close the match or that they haven’t been able to win a match like that in recent encounters. It’s very important to get through tough matches like those and then see the result for which you put so much effort during that match, allowing yourself to feel completely free on the court and play without expectations. I love this feeling.

What he thought when he was down 2-5 in the second set

At that point, nothing could go worse, to be honest (smiling). I don’t know. I just stayed focused on the moment. It would be a lie to say that I expected a break. I was just trying to play point by point and not think too much about what the outcome could be. I managed to get some points here and there, like double faults, if I remember correctly. I came to the net, took the ball early, and started to attack a bit more. I caught him off guard several times. A break completely changed the momentum of the match. I feel like I recovered, and the confidence kept growing. I wasn't sure of my level at that moment, but when the break happened, I had every reason to believe that I had a chance.

Back injury a year ago

You’re going to make me cry, man. Oh my God, I had completely forgotten about it. It was tough. Last year I couldn't walk well for two days after my loss. It was something I had never experienced as a player. I remember telling my team: “I don’t know how long this is going to last.” So... tough. Hard moments. I stayed strong. I kept believing. I knew deep down that I would have my moment again, but that match... hurt a lot, not only mentally but also physically. I had many doubts for several weeks afterward. I knew deep down that I would have my moment again, but that match... hurt a lot, not only mentally but also physically. I had many doubts for several weeks afterward.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tsitsipas: "Hay que corregir tener a tu lado personas que sacan lo peor de ti"