Mark Philippoussis has revealed how he’s helping Stefanos Tsitsipas to win his maiden grand slam, while Marcos Baghdatis has backed the Greek star to become world No. 1.
Philippoussis joined Tsitsipas’ team as a co-coach after Wimbledon last year and has sat in his box in Melbourne this week.
Tsitsipas faces Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday night and is one win away from his fourth Australian Open semi-final berth in five years, but he’s never made the final.
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Philippoussis, who made the 2003 Wimbledon final, believes are growing “maturity” in
Tsitsipas will see him push through this year,
“He’s worked hard, simple as that. The Australian Open comes down to who has been putting in the work in the offseason,” Philippoussis said.
“We have tablets and stats but I don’t like to look into them too deeply because at the end of the day it’s forehands and backhands.
“If you’re going to tell a guy he likes to go there and does big serves out wide on the ad and he goes down the tee on a break point, he’s going to look at you and be pretty pissed.
“Anything can happen out there, it’s just important to focus and you have to adjust like the great players.
“He’s done well in the past here and he’s got that respect from the crowd, they’re very well educated in their tennis and they love to watch a battle and one thing Stef does is he always leaves it on the court and he’s a great athlete.”
Tsitsipas has been passionately supported in Melbourne and he’ll face unseeded Czech Lehecka on Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night.
Bagdhatis enjoyed one of the most loyal followings ever seen for a foreigner at Melbourne Park and he backed Tsitsipas to make the most of his support.
“It’s like playing at home. It helps you in tough moments to get the rhythm back and you fight and find a fifth and sixth gear,” Bagdhatis said.
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“I definitely got the Greek community out here and Stefan is also Greek and that’s what they’re doing again and it’s great to see.
“I think if he stays fit he’s going to become No. 1 in the world soon.”
Philippoussis revealed his role was helping Tsitsipas with his mental game.
“It’s about bringing calmness to his game because he’s such an incredible athlete physically and is a natural competitor,” he said.
“What’s difficult these days is because there is so much technology… I think it’s very easy to get lost in those things and forget about playing their own game.
“So my biggest thing for him is for him to go out there and play your game plan.
“Guys are playing in the quarterfinals because they’re playing great tennis, it doesn’t matter what they’re ranked and what they’re seeded.”
