Cythus: “I felt strong stress for two years, it was no longer me on the court”

Greek tennis player Stephenos Cycations He enters a new stage of his career under the leadership of Goran Ivanyshevich. At the age of 26, the Greek seemed to have lost its former shine, but the Croatian mentor hopes to stop this decline sharply. In Wimbledon, 2025 Stefanos told about new relationships with the trainer.

Cythus – about the criticism of the father and the role of Ivanishevich

“I clearly understood that at this stage I needed a trainer who played the highest level and knows what is happening in my head. It seemed to me that after so many years, it would be difficult to start working with him without an external look, but we immediately agreed to be as honest with each other. I am completely open to criticism, no matter how rigid it is. I want to hear the whole truth – it is important for me to explore my own game.

Goran never lies. From the first day he said everything, as he was, nothing decorated. I do not need a person who will please or confuse – on the contrary, I need simple and understandable information without annoying overloads. He is not my father.

Goran and I want to achieve a lot. I know that it is not perfect, but it helps to understand why nothing worked before and what can be changed. I had to invite him three to four years ago. I feel that I wasted time, following the same methods, did not develop. But the fruits of our work will soon become noticeable. We do not set specific goals, but I feel respect and support – I see it in his eyes and hear in his words. ”

About stress and anxiety

“For the last two years, I have felt severe stress, it was no longer me on the court. Only recently began to realize how difficult it was psychologically. Now I try to deal with it better, focus on myself and not be distracted. Goran and I are working hard to restore self -esteem, on how to return to our game schemes and add tactical diversity.

A tennis life is a constant chaos, endless flights around the world. After a few years of such life, you burn out – this is normal. It seems to me that I was one of the most loaded players of the last three to four years. You need to find a balance – it is impossible to have everything immediately.

I was not in harmony with myself – constantly chased for something, and when everything ends, there was a feeling that it was not worth it. Being surrounded by people who require too much and be responsible for them – all this creates an internal tension that accumulates weekly. I am helped by a sports psychologist – I have been talking to him for a long time, I try to find a solution and clear my mind because of deep conversations. It gives me tools to get better. ”