Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career 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 in the finals of 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 in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training responds during regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [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 being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, just before the season's first major.
"The greatest victory next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the team championship.
"The effort is invested. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
