The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement During Pain-Filled 2025 Season
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career due to debilitating back issues throughout the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist 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 second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete 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 walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had a pre-season without pain – 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 complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."