The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement During Injury-Plagued Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career because of severe spinal pain during the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against 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 early exit in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under actual training concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.
His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for 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."
