The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement Amid Pain-Filled 2025 Season

A competitive moment for Tsitsipas

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

The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career due to severe spinal pain during the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my body responds during actual training concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."

Jennifer Lewis
Jennifer Lewis

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in the iGaming industry, specializing in slot machine reviews and bonus strategies.