The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement During Injury-Plagued Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating spinal pain during the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training responds during actual training with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."
He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.
"My main goal for 2026 would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. 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 attempt everything to make it happen."
