Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Retirement During Injury-Plagued Campaign

The tennis professional disclosed he thought about 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, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training responds during regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan 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, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory for 2026 would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to make it happen."