Stefanos Tsitsipas says its a privilege working with his father as coach.
Now, he's asking dad to pipe down.
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The 20-year-old Tsitsipas held off tough Serbian Filip Krajinovic, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6) on Court Philippe Chatrier to become the second Greek player, male or female, to reach the round of 16 at Roland Garros—after Lazaros Stalios, who reached the last 16 in Paris back in 1936.
The sixth-seeded Tsitsipas said he appreciates his father's passion, but prefers pressing the mute button on him during matches.
Tsitsipas' father, Apostolos, was called for a coaching violation warning yesterday, and his chatty habit has caught the attention of some umpires.
"It's a big honor to have him next to me by my side. Great coach, and great, too, to have next to you," Stefanos Tsitsipas said of his dad. "He likes to speak a lot sometimes. He cannot help himself. I have said it plenty of times. Umpires and referees are complaining to me that should keep it low. Doesn't happen."
As part of his preparation for a fourth-round clash with 2015 Roland Garros champion Stan Wawrinka, Tsitsipas said he will work on managing nerve—his father's nerve.
"Something we are working on right now, and hopefully he'll hold his nerves better in the future and be more mature and not talk too much, because sometimes it's unnecessary," Tsitsipas said wtih a smile. "But he's a great guy. I love him. He loves me. We have been together since the age of 12, traveling together. I appreciate that."
Stefanos Tsitsipas Instragram (StefanosTsitsipas98)