The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement Amid Pain-Filled 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues during the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "over the last six to eight months."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.
His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, just before the season's first major.
"The greatest victory for 2026 is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the team championship.
"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."
