Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Walking Away Amid Injury-Plagued 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 quitting the sport due to debilitating spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

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

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player 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 is to observe how my training responds during actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That's when you start reconsidering the path ahead."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.

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

"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 my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."

Darryl Wallace
Darryl Wallace

A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and gaming strategies.