Stefanos Tsitsipas has never forgotten when he almost lost his life as a teenager. Fortunately, his father, Apostolos, was there to save him.

Tsitsipas’ relationship with Apostolos is highly analyzed by the media. The 56-year-old coached Stefanos throughout his career before they ended their partnership in August.

Despite Stefanos’ achievements, some felt that Apostolos was not making room for an expert coach with experience preventing him from taking the next step and reaching the top like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

The split in August came after Tsitsipas publicly attacked his father after losing to Kei Nishikori at the Canadian Open. There was no healing of their coaching relationship after that and they went their separate ways.

According to one of Stefanos’ former physiotherapistsStefanos wanted to break up with Apostolos several times before that, but his mother made the Greek no. 1 to feel guilty reminding him of everything he had done for him.

The Tsitsipas family did not appreciate the remarks of the former cinematographer. They sued him for themalthough it is challenging to see what damages can be claimed for comments as relatively inoffensive as those of the cinematographer.

It seems that what Apostolos has done for Stefanos is not just about helping him develop his tennis career. He was also responsible for saving the life of former no. 3 world in adolescence.

Stefanos told Spanish magazine Hola! that his father saved him when he was 15 when the sea got rough and that the experience continues to influence his outlook on life.

“It was a terrifying experience. I don’t think I’ve ever had such an experience, which taught me to live every moment, to be grateful and not to take anything for granted in life.”

“It must have had an impact on me because I also realized how terrifying nature can be, especially when you’re not aware of it. The sea has great cultural value in Greece and I spent a lot of time at sea and on the islands. as a child, that day taught me for the rest of my life that there are always dangers that you cannot control.”

Fortunately, Tsitsipas has no lasting physical damage from this incident. As a result of that being okay, fans have been enjoying the 26-year-old’s watchable brand of tennis since he appeared on the ATP Tour.

However, there is clearly a lasting mental impact from the near loss of life at sea. It would be hard for someone not to have a different and unique view of life after coming close to death.

That scary moment could also explain why it was difficult for Stefanos to take over from his father as coach. Telling an external coach who has been hired that you want to move on is very different from telling your father, to whom you owe your life, that it is time to part ways.

Stefanos eventually decided to stop working with Apostolos. It will be interesting to see if it hits the ground in 2025 after that move.