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.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

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

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."