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Australia's former Wimbledon and US Open runner-up Mark Philippoussis has reunited with Stefanos Tsitsipas as the Greek star's head coach.
Mark Philippoussis's on-off relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas is on again after Australia's dual grand slam runner-up agreed to become the volatile Greek's head coach.
Less than three months after taking to Instagram to announce the pair were parting ways, Philippoussis has returned to the world No.4's box to replace Tsitsipas's father.
"My father right now, I gave him some time off. He hasn't had time off since I'm 12 years old," Tsitsipas said in his pre-tournament press conference at the Toronto Masters.
"I think for him, it's very healthy to take some time away from the court and feel refreshed again."
Both Tsitsipas's father Apostolos and mother Julia have been involved in ugly courtside incidents during Philippoussis's first tenure as assistant coach, which included the Athens-born ace making this year's Australian Open final.
The mild-mannered former Wimbledon and US Open finalist was seen as somewhat of a peacemaker, as well as a mental and serving coach for Tsitsipas, after joining forces last year.
Now Philippoussis will assume more control.
"Parents can get emotional sometimes, and I completely understand that," Tsitsipas said.
"I'm not a parent myself, but I can imagine how difficult it can be at times seeing your child give it their all and to be going through so much during a match.
"I love him (my father) and I want him to be part of that journey that we have built together, and he's not going anywhere. He's still with us, and he's still there following our path and journey."
Philippousis was with Tsitsipas in Los Cabos, Mexico last week when the 24-year-old beat Australian No.1 Alex de Minaur in the final to claim his 10th ATP Tour title.
"It's time to keep exploring new things," Tsitsipas said.
"And I'm open-minded and I want to learn as much as I can to maximise on my career because I have felt at times stagnant.
"Mark is a parent himself. He's not my father, but he's been through a lot of moments in his own personal career that he can identify and capture better in certain ways.
"He is an incredible human being. He has helped me a lot. He has been there for me. Even when people didn't see him around, he has been there behind closed doors in private. And he's a big addition to our team."
