The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away During Pain-Filled 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career 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 to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his early exit 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 concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear was whether I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."
"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal next season would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
