The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career because of severe spinal pain during 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 and the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body responds during regular practice with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.
He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal next season is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know 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 my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
