Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Walking Away During 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 throughout the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit in New York in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."
"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 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."
He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.
He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.
"My main goal for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver 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 make it happen."
