Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Walking Away During Pain-Filled 2025 Season
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career due to severe spinal pain throughout the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my training responds during regular practice concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."
He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.
"The greatest victory next season would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."