Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign

A competitive moment for Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open

The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career because of severe spinal pain throughout the season.

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 alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest 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's when you begin to question your career's future."

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 for Greece at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

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

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to make it happen."

John Rodriguez
John Rodriguez

A film critic and streaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in media analysis and entertainment journalism.