🔗 Share this article Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Retirement During Injury-Plagued Campaign Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year. 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 and the 2023 Australian Open. Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results. "My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training responds during regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas. "My primary worry centered on if 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 another contest without discomfort?'" "I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead." Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of pre-season training without any pain. His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open. "The greatest victory for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed. "It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had 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 crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."