Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Walking Away During Pain-Filled 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 throughout the 2025 tennis year.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition 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 holds up under regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."
