Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he seriously contemplated ending his tennis career due to intense back pain during a challenging 2025 season. The 27-year-old Greek player, once ranked as high as world number three, struggled with injuries that hindered his ability to compete effectively.
Tsitsipas’ pain became so severe after a second-round defeat at the US Open that he was unable to walk for two days. This episode triggered doubts about continuing his professional journey. “I would ask, ‘Can I play another match without pain?'” he admitted, highlighting the toll the injury took on both his physical and mental state.
Since then, Tsitsipas has only played two Davis Cup matches and saw his ranking fall to 36th globally. However, he has recently undergone extensive medical treatment and off-season training, which have led to encouraging signs of recovery. After five weeks of training pain-free, he expressed cautious optimism about his upcoming return.
His primary focus now is regaining the stamina to complete matches without discomfort. “My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches,” Tsitsipas said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy back as he prepares to represent Greece at the United Cup.
Greece is scheduled to compete against strong opponents such as Japan, led by Naomi Osaka, and Great Britain, featuring Emma Raducanu. The United Cup will be held across Perth and Sydney, starting early January, just before the Australian Open. Tsitsipas views this event as a critical step in his comeback.
Tsitsipas remains committed to restoring his previous form, saying, “I put in the work. The most important thing is full belief that I can come back to where I was.” His determination to overcome injury setbacks reflects a mindset focused on resilience and future success.
His situation underscores the challenges elite athletes face with career-threatening injuries. Tsitsipas’ transparency about considering retirement highlights the mental strain caused by physical pain in professional sports. At the same time, his progress demonstrates the value of medical care and rehabilitation in prolonging competitive careers.
Looking ahead, Tsitsipas’ experience signals the demanding balance between health management and high-level competition in tennis. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether he can sustain his recovery and reclaim a top position in the sport.
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