🔗 Share this article

Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career because of severe back issues during the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic in the finals of 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, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my training responds during actual training concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play another contest without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.

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 competition will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had a pre-season in good health – 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 in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."