The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away During Pain-Filled Campaign

The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe back issues during the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule since his early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my training holds up under actual training concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had a pre-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."