Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated 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 season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit in New York in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"
"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.
"The greatest victory for 2026 is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.
"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to make it happen."
