🔗 Share this article

Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating spinal pain during the season.

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

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my training responds during regular practice with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest 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 begin to question the path ahead."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing 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 Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

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

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."