The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement During Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of severe back issues during the season.
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 since his early exit at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training responds during regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry 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 kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."
He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the team championship.
"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."
