Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Retirement During Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career due to severe spinal pain throughout the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule since his early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."
He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.
"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.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
