The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement During Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport due to severe back issues during the 2025 tennis year.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training responds during actual training with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "over the last half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.
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 in Perth and Sydney in early January, just before the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."
