Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Walking Away During Pain-Filled Campaign
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career 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 and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my body holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.
He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.
"The greatest victory next season would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.
"The effort is invested. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
