Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Walking Away During Injury-Plagued Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe back issues throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule since his early exit in New York this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."
He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.
His next appearance for Greece at the team event, 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 Australian Open.
"The greatest victory next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."
