The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement During Pain-Filled Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues during the 2025 tennis year.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance for Greece at the team event, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.
"I have done the work. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."
