The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues during the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body responds during actual training with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "over the last half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question 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.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.
"The greatest victory next season is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.
"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."
