Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed that debilitating back discomfort during the 2025 season led him to contemplate ending his professional tennis career.
The athlete, aged 27, previously reached the world number three ranking and finished as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently holding the 36th position globally, having participated in only two Davis Cup encounters since his second-round departure from the US Open in August, he indicated that consistent medical interventions are finally yielding positive results.
“What I’m most anticipating is observing how my practical practice sessions impact my spinal condition,” Tsitsipas commented.
“My primary apprehension revolved around my ability to conclude an entire match,” Tsitsipas further explained, stating the ailment had persistently troubled him “over the past half-year to eight months.”
“My constant question was, ‘Will I be able to compete in another fixture free from discomfort?'”
“My defeat at the US Open [against Daniel Altmaier of Germany] truly terrified me. I found myself unable to walk for a couple of days. That particular moment forces you to re-evaluate your professional trajectory.”
Tsitsipas also mentioned his contentment with his ongoing therapeutic regimen, having successfully completed five weeks of pre-season preparation entirely devoid of pain.
He is scheduled to represent Greece, positioned in a group alongside Naomi Osaka’s Japanese squad and the British contingent captained by Emma Raducanu, in the United Cup tournament, slated to occur in Perth and Sydney from January 2nd to 11th, preceding the Australian Open by one week.
“My most significant triumph for the year 2026 would involve no longer being concerned with completing contests,” he stated.
“Receiving excellent reassurance from a pain-free pre-season is wonderful — I earnestly wish for this condition to persist. I am determined to perform strongly for 2026 and during the United Cup event.”
“I have dedicated myself to the necessary effort. The paramount factor is an unwavering conviction that I can reclaim my previous level of performance. I intend to pursue every possible avenue to accomplish that.”
