"I'm heartbroken for Stefanos Tsitsipas"; "The realization could destroy anyone" - Fans react to Greek's cryptic message about 'narcissistic parents'

Tennis fans reacted to Stefanos Tsitsipas sharing a cryptic message about "narcissistic parents," supposedly about his father Apostolos Tsitsipas and mother Julia Apostoli. His father coached the Greek from childhood until the 2024 Canadian Open during which the father-son duo's professional relationship abruptly ended following a heated argument on the court.

Tsitsipas took to Instagram to share photos, some featuring his girlfriend Paula Badosa, and others capturing special moments from his life in 2024. He also shared a video where the narrator talks about what happens to a child who has "narcissistic parents," allegedly a reference to his upbringing:

"The child of a narcissistic parent learns early that love is conditional. They quickly understand they’ll only be loved for what they do, not who they are. The child abandons their true self, morphing into whatever version their highly critical and opinionated parent deems worthy. The relationships turn transactional, always based on what they can provide for other."

Tennis fans on X reacted to Tsitsipas supposedly sharing his feelings about his own "narcissistic parents."

“I am so incredibly proud of Stef! I’m also heartbroken for him. The realization that your parents are motivated by self-interest and not by unconditional love could destroy anyone. But he’s there, standing tall, proud and happy. He’s genuinely happy. It wasn’t an easy road," one posted.

“Wow, Stef flat out called his parents narcissistic LOL," another wrote.

“Stefanos posted a little video about narcissistic parents on IG," a third fan posted.

One shared a GIF conveying their reaction, writing:

“All I can say is:"

“I hope when he's ready he can talk about what he's been through in details. It'll be an inspirational story for his young fans or even mid to late 20's," a fan wrote.

“I doubt Stef's short video about children of narcissistic parents & conditional love he posted on IG is random given other pics. Can be one more step ahead to independence & healing and from guilt feeling. Children don't owe anything to their parents & gratitude has limits," yet another posted.

Another fan shared their thoughts on Stefanos Tsitsipas through an image:

Several others praised Tsitsipas for apparently voicing his thoughts on his parents and upbringing.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas shares why he split with his father Apostolos as a coach

Stefanos Tsitsipas & his father Apostolos Tsitsipas at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters [Source: Getty]

Last month, while speaking to the Spanish magazine Hola, Stefanos Tsitsipas said:

“It has been very difficult for the two of us to have a natural father-son relationship during all these years of championships. That was also one of the main reasons why I decided to part ways with him as a coach. Ultimately, it can also be understood as a way to save our relationship and build something healthy in the future."

Tsitsipas concluded his 2024 tennis season by competing at the Paris Masters, where he reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Alexander Zverev.