The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away Amid Pain-Filled Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe back issues during the 2025 tennis year.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a early exit in New York this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body responds during regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "over the last half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [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 with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.
"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."
