Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Retirement During Pain-Filled 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career because of debilitating 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.
Now ranked 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training 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 led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing 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 try all means to achieve that."