sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Stefanos Tsitsipas' dad under fire over for his actions during the Australian Open final
Home>Tennis
Updated 02:19 30 Jan 2023 GMTPublished 02:06 30 Jan 2023 GMT

Stefanos Tsitsipas' dad under fire over for his actions during the Australian Open final

While his son won all the plaudits for his classy post-match speech, Apostolos Tsitsipas has been heavily criticised.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

People are criticising Stefanos Tsitsipas' father for not standing up during the trophy ceremony at the Australian Open.

The Greek fan favourite fell agonisingly short of winning his first Grand Slam title, losing out in straight sets to arguably one of the greatest tennis players of of all-time in Novak Djokovic.

But while Tsitsipas was praised for his classy runner-up speech during his on-court interview, his father has been slammed for his actions during it.

It has become tradition for everyone inside the arena to stand up while the athletes are interviewed after the match.

Advert

But, for whatever reason, Tsitsipas' father and coach Apostolos remained seated during both his son's and Djokovic's speeches.

As for the rest of the world number four's box, they stood up around Apostolos.

This didn't go down well with viewers.

Yasmin Syed tweeted: "In my personal opinion it's really really not nice that Tsitsipas' dad isn't standing up or clapping during his son's speech and this overall trophy ceremony. Show some respect."

While Claire Connelly added: "Christ. Djokovic is complimenting his family and even still, he can’t bring himself to stand. It’s not on. It’s just not tennis."

In contrast, fans heaped praise on Stefanos for his gracious-in-defeat comments about his opponent, where he described Djokovic as "the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet."

"It speaks for yourself what you have achieved so far," Tsitsipas said.

"It's all in the numbers. Congratulations. Not only to yourself but to having, like, such supportive family.

"You know, I think it's very similar the way we grew up around tennis, so it's been an unbelievable journey for you so I admire what you have done for our sport. I think you make me a better player when I am on the court, so thank you.

"I've had the privilege to play a lot of difficult, high- intensity matches but I would like to say one more time Novak brings the best out in me they've been working my whole life for. He's the one of the greatest in our sport and I think - he's the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet for sure.

"I haven't done this but I'd like to thank you for pushing our sport so far. I think it deserves a player like you that pushes everyone, every single player, every single individual that's involved in the sport to the max."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@_ClaireConnelly

Topics: Australia, Australian Open, Tennis

Max Sherry
Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

X

@maxysherry

Recommended reads

Luke Riley makes bold prediction ahead of blockbuster fight on Conor McGregor v Max Holloway cardGetty ImagesForget Conor McGregor - Lone'er Kavanagh is the UFC star you should be watching this weekendGetty ImagesF1 and F3 trainer reveals gruelling physical and mental work drivers must do for each race ahead of British GPGettyDavid Croft proposes new Olympic sport with drivers from 'around the world' ahead of British GPGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

6 hours ago
a day ago
2 days ago
3 days ago
  • Getty Images
    6 hours ago

    Emma Raducanu dealt another major blow as 2026 hits new low ahead of US Open

    The Brit has endured a tough 2026, and things don't appear to be getting better...

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    a day ago

    Serena Williams reveals what she 'wasn't allowed' to do on court that Aryna Sabalenka can

    One rule for Serena Williams, another for Aryna Sabalenka.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner withdrawals spark major request ahead of US Open

    Both players have pulled out of a Masters 1000 event, prompting calls for change.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    3 days ago

    Ex-world number one tennis players' $41million fortune from the sport 'vanished'

    The star was ranked as the best female player for 12 weeks during her career, but later fell on hard times.

    Tennis
  • Aryna Sabalenka's Reaction After Losing Australian Open Final to Elena Rybakina
  • Novak Djokovic Hailed For 'Touching' Gesture Before Australian Open Final
  • Australian Open Star Refuses To Answer ‘Unprofessional’ Donald Trump Question
  • Tennis Star Announces Retirement Days Before Australian Open