The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement During 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 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 as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule since his second-round departure in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past six to eight months."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.
"My main goal next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
