Stefanos Tsitsipas 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 thought about quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my training responds during regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."
He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen after finishing 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 tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had a pre-season without pain – 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 most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
