Goran Ivanišević recently ired back at Patrick Mouratoglou for criticizing his public comments about former protégé Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Croatian coach didn’t just defend his position; he hinted at a face-to-face confrontation that has fans calling out the irony in his aggressive response.
Why Did Goran Ivanišević Target Patrick Mouratoglou Over Stefanos Tsitsipas Criticism?
The drama began when Tsitsipas withdrew from his Wimbledon opening-round match against Valentin Royer due to a recurring lower back injury. Trailing 6-3, 6-2 at the time of his retirement, the Greek star faced harsh criticism from his then-coach Ivanišević, who questioned his work ethic and preparation.
Ivanišević’s comments stunned the tennis community. He claimed Tsitsipas often talked about improvement but put in minimal effort, adding that he had never seen a player as unprepared as the 26-year-old. The public nature of these remarks drew widespread disapproval, including from Serena Williams’ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.
Mouratoglou asserted that the Croatian had crossed a professional line, arguing that publicly criticizing a player isn’t what coaching should represent. The French coach’s disapproval clearly struck a nerve with Ivanišević.
Days later, the former Wimbledon champion issued his own heated response. Rather than backing down, Ivanišević escalated the situation by suggesting a direct confrontation.
“I will talk to him when I see him, that’s for sure. If he has a problem with me, he should call me, tell me what he thinks. I will tell him what I think. I don’t go around and talk about what I think about him. I better not say what I think about him. So I will be quiet for the moment. If I go to Toronto or Cincinnati, I am most excited to see Mouratoglou, let’s put it this way, to talk to him, to explain a few things,” he said.
— Anna Chakvetadze (@achakv87) July 29, 2025
The Croatian coach added that he’s never had issues with any coach in his career and emphasized that coaches should support one another instead of criticizing online. However, fans quickly pointed out the glaring contradiction in his stance.
How Are Tennis Fans Reacting to the Ivanišević-Mouratoglou Drama?
The tennis community didn’t hold back in calling out what many saw as blatant hypocrisy from Ivanišević. Fans flooded social media with pointed critiques of his response.
“He has no integrity nor sensibility. put himself first over the players. tennis’s equivalent of Luis Enrique,” one fan wrote.
Others expressed frustration with the entire situation, with one fan commenting: “These grown a** men competing for attention is sending me. Put a gag order on narcissistic coaches for the love of god,” they said.
These grown ass men competing for attention is sending me. Put a gag order on narcissistic coaches for the love of god. https://t.co/hq8DcpnvFe
— adri | on ahiatus until Cincy (@radulenkawta) July 29, 2025
Many fans zeroed in on the obvious irony in Ivanišević’s position. One observer pointed out the fundamental contradiction in his argument:
“But Goran. You did go around talk sh&T about Tsitsipas… same difference ,” they commented.
The criticism continued with fans highlighting the double standard at play. Another supporter noted: “Why is Goran SO messy? Does he want to he on @BravoTV reality TV or something? ” they joked.
“Not to defend Patrick but this is kind of ironic lol. Anyway let them fight it out,” another fan chimed in.
Not to defend Patrick but this is kind of ironic lol. Anyway let them fight it out https://t.co/RwexdUwEWu
— Earl in Accounting (@HumpA_55) July 29, 2025
Perhaps the most pointed criticism came from a fan who highlighted the core contradiction in Ivanišević’s behavior:
“He didn’t like it when another coach gave their honest opinion about him, but he didn’t mind publicly slamming his own player’s work ethic & flaws for the whole tennis world to bathe in the last two weeks. Very interesting. Gotta be able to take it if you freely dish it, no? ,” they wrote.
What Changes Have Both Coaches Made Following This Controversy?
The drama coincides with significant changes for both coaches in their respective careers. Like Ivanišević’s split with Tsitsipas, Mouratoglou recently parted ways with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
Their partnership began in September 2024, following Osaka’s split with Wim Fissette. The collaboration showed promise, with Osaka reaching the fourth round in Beijing, Miami, and Madrid, advancing to the third round at the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon, finishing runner-up in Auckland, and capturing the WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo.
However, their unexpected split came after Osaka’s surprising second-round loss to Emma Raducanu at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. Following the separation, Osaka shared a heartfelt Instagram message thanking the French coach for his support during their 10-month partnership.
Tomasz Wiktorowski on court with Naomi Osaka in Montreal https://t.co/lna6eXcvii pic.twitter.com/SI1gReJ0UZ
— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) July 29, 2025
Osaka has currently teamed up with Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski on a trial basis and was spotted training with him in Montreal. Wiktorowski brings impressive credentials to their potential partnership, having previously guided World No. 3 Iga Świątek to multiple Grand Slam titles and the No. 1 ranking.
Meanwhile, the tennis world continues to watch whether Ivanišević will follow through on his promise to confront Mouratoglou at upcoming tournaments in Toronto or Cincinnati, adding another layer of intrigue to an already controversial situation.
Also Read: Goran Ivanišević Says He ‘Didn’t Insult Stefanos Tsitsipas’ as He Breaks Silence on Coaching Split With Comments on Reunion With Father
