The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away During Injury-Plagued 2025 Season

A competitive moment for Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open

The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career due to severe spinal pain throughout the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a early exit in New York this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training responds during actual training concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"

"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney in early January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal next season would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"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 complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."

Vicki Ayala
Vicki Ayala

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in helping startups and enterprises optimize their online presence for growth.