Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Retirement During Pain-Filled 2025 Season

The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career due to severe back issues throughout the season.

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.

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance for Greece at the team event, drawn against 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, the week preceding the season's first major.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had a pre-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."