Stefanos Tsitsipas thrilled a partisan Rod Laver Arena crowd when he won his way into the Australian Open final on Friday afternoon.
But they loved his post-match work even more.
The Greek star cracked up fans with a roast of coach and Aussie great Mark Philippoussis following his semi-final win over Karen Khachanov.
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Asked by Nine’s Jim Courier what Philippoussis has added to the team, Tsitsipas simply said: “Sense of humour.”
Cut to Philippoussis staring straight-faced into space.
Tsitsipas continued: “Serve and volley (the tactic), which I never use.
“It’s always there, somewhere, it’s there if I need it.”
Tsitsipas marvels in unbelievable rally | 00:38
Again, no chuckles from the former US Open and Wimbledon finalist. But, to be fair, Tsitsipas’ first comment wasn’t too far from the truth.
Philippoussis joined the Tsitsipas team after last year’s Wimbledon, where the No.3 seed was knocked out in the third round, mostly to help with the tension that could erupt in the players’ box between Stefanos and his dad/coach Apostolos.
“The reason Mark is part of the team is because the dynamic has showed that it’s good,” Tsitsipas said ahead of the semi-final.
“There hasn’t been any friction. It’s been going well. We get along well, all of us. We understand each other.
“There’s never misunderstandings or things that lead to conflict. I’m enjoying this.
“I’ve been enjoying this even in 2022. He makes for a good guy to have next to my father that can advise him, that can help him, can help me.
“Hopefully I can help him as well through experience, vice versa.”
There have been no major Apostolos blow-ups during this Australian Open – and his son is into the final after three previous semi-final losses.
That’s not a total coincidence. Score one for the Scud.
