Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Walking Away Amid 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 due to severe back issues throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a 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 with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."
He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing 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 Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.
"My main goal next season is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."
