Stefanos Tsitipas’s dad is blasted for ‘disrespectful’ act while Novak Djokovic praised his son and family after historic 10th Australian Open title win: ‘It’s just not tennis’
- Apostolos Tsitsipas did not stand or clap during presentations
- It’s tradition for both players’ teams to stand after final is over
- Fans and experts were quick to slam his behaviour
Stefanos Tsitsipas’s father Apostolos has been slammed by tennis fans for refusing to stand during the award ceremony after his son lost the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic on Sunday night.
The Greek star’s dad was seen sitting stony-faced while the rest of his son’s team stood and applauded during the players’ speeches and trophy presentations, as is traditional after a final.
Apostolos remained seated and didn’t clap during Stefanos’ classy post-match remarks, and also stayed in his chair while Djokovic praised the world No.4 and his family after winning his 22nd grand slam.
The sight left fans and experts furious, with many lashing out at him for showing disrespect to the players and the occasion.
‘Christ. Djokovic is complimenting his family and even still, he can’t bring himself to stand,’ tweeted journalist Claire Connelly, who included a photo of the elder Tstitipas in his chair while the rest of the team – including Aussie tennis great Mark Philipoussis – remained standing.
Apostolos Tsitsipas (bottom left) refused to stand or applaud during the players’ speeches after Djokovic’s victory – unlike the rest of his son’s team, including Aussie tennis legend Mark Philippousis (right)
The elder Tsitsipas was told ‘the least you could do was show some respect’ over his actions post-match – refusing to react even when his son spoke and Djokovic praised his family
‘@steftsitsipas father sitting down while everyone else giving his son a standing ovation has to be his new personal low. such disrespect. way to go dad,’ wrote one tennis fan.
‘It’s not really nice that Tsitsipas’ dad isn’t standing up or clapping during his son’s speech and this overall trophy ceremony. Show some respect,’ wrote reporter Yasmin Syed.
‘Tsitsipas’ dad not standing up or even clapping for his son, who had just come 2nd in his FIRST EVER Aus Open is so disgusting. Even during his speech he didn’t do anything. The least you could do is show some repsect,’ another fan tweeted.
‘Wow. Apostolos Tsitsipas not standing and applauding his own son. So disappointing to see,’ wrote Danijela Mladenovic.
The younger Tsitsipas was all class after the match, showering his Serbian rival with praise despite the crushing loss.
‘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,’ said the vanquished runner-up.
Stefanos proved he’s a gracious loser when he complimented Djokovic after the loss, branding him the greatest player in the game’s history
The father and son (pictured hugging at tournament in Sydney earlier this month) appear to share a close bond
‘He’s one of the greatest in our sport and, I think, he’s the greatest that has ever held a tennis racquet for sure.
‘I’d like to thank you for pushing our sport, every single player, every single individual that’s involved in the sport to the max.’
Djokovic conceded that Tsitsipas was the better player in the second set, and was relieved he didn’t have to go the distance as he did when the two met in the French Open final in 2021.
He predicted that Tsitsipas would be a grand slam champion before long.
‘He’s knocking on the door of grand slam title and I told him that he is going to win it, it’s just a matter of time,’ Djokovic said.
‘I know that Rafa [Rafael Nadal] and myself will make sure that the young guys don’t take too many slams for a little while, but it’s inevitable.’
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