The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement During Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit in New York this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under actual training concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."
He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.
"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.
"The effort is invested. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to make it happen."
