🔗 Share this article The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement During Pain-Filled Campaign Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year. At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open. Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results. "My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas. "The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "over the last six to eight months." "I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'" "I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead." He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training without any pain. He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open. "The greatest victory next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," 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 most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."