Multiple Grand Slam winner questions Stefanos Tsitsipas’ decision as early Wimbledon exit raises new concerns

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Stefanos Tsitsipas’ 2025 season hit another setback with an early exit at Wimbledon, marking yet another chapter in a campaign that’s been defined by struggle.

Hoping to turn things around after a second-round loss at Roland Garros, the Greek star arrived in London looking for a fresh start.

However, his expectations were completely overturned. He had to retire from the match against Valentin Royer – No. 113 in the ATP rankings – due to an injury.

Afterward, Tsitsipas spoke candidly about his struggles, telling reporters: “Right now, I’m just absolutely left with no answers. I don’t know what to do.”

Mark Woodforde criticises Stefanos Tsitsipas’ timing on hiring Goran Ivanisevic

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, 17-time Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles champion Mark Woodforde offered his view on Tsitsipas’ situation and questioned his recent coaching decision.

“I was just wondering, at the end, was he quite emotional there? Stumbled through responding. I’m not going to say he’s injured; the majority of players today are carrying niggles, certainly at this juncture of the season, given the clay court season is very intense physically, the quick turnaround to play another major event, it poses problems, but yeah, that’s an odd one”, he said.

“This association with [Goran] Ivanisevic, I think, should be profitable, but I’m sure Goran is just as disappointed, because he wants to be coaching a winner.

“I’m not sure I can approve of hiring someone like Goran at the start of the grass-court season; it’s got to be a longer investment, but that’s probably heading into a different territory altogether.”

Tsitsipas’ recent grass-court record under Ivanisevic has been far from inspiring, as he has managed just one win in three matches since the partnership began.

Woodforde, one half of the legendary Woodies doubles team, also spoke about how far Tsitsipas has fallen since his early rise.

“He was speaking about how the injuries are catching up to him, and he’s struggling to handle those injuries. He’s certainly fallen off the chase,” Woodforde said.

“I thought Tsitsipas was certainly going to be one like Zverev, knocking on the door of holding a Grand Slam trophy, ever since that magnificent win over Federer many years ago at the Australian Open, but he has not been able to capture that form at the back end of tournaments.”

Woodforde added that he doesn’t see Tsitsipas as a significant Slam threat anymore. “I wouldn’t have put Tsitsipas in my top 15 of going into the second week here, because he’s fallen out of the chase,” he said.

“Maybe years ago, certainly not at Wimbledon, but at the other Slams he would’ve been in the top five, but now I won’t have him as a top ten danger player at the Slams.”

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Tsitsipas faces ranking drop

At only 26, Tsitsipas appears to be facing an early decline – and his fluctuating ATP rankings over recent years support this.

Between 2021 and 2023, the Greek player held the world No. 3 spot at various times. Beyond that, he consistently finished each season ranked in the top 10 between 2019 and 2023.

Now, he is just No. 26 in the world and shows no sign of climbing back up. His interview after losing at Wimbledon drew attention: Tsitsipas admitted he has lost confidence and doesn’t know how to regain it.