Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he considered retiring from professional tennis after a prolonged battle with serious back pain during the 2025 season.
Once ranked as high as world number three, the 27-year-old struggled to compete consistently and played only two Davis Cup matches after his second-round exit at the US Open in August. The Greek is now ranked 36th in the world.
Injury struggles and fear of finishing matches
Tsitsipas admitted the injury affected him both physically and mentally, raising doubts about his ability to continue at the top level.
“My biggest concern was if I could finish a match,” he said, adding that the pain had troubled him for “the last six or eight months”, according to BBC Sport.
He described the aftermath of his US Open defeat to Daniel Altmaier as the lowest point of the season. “I could not walk for two days. That’s when you reconsider the future of your career,” he said.
Signs of recovery after treatment
The former French Open and Australian Open finalist said ongoing medical treatment has finally brought positive signs. He completed five weeks of off-season training without pain, calling it a major step forward.
“It makes great feedback knowing you had a pre-season without pain,” Tsitsipas said, as reported by BBC Sport.
Focus on 2026 and United Cup return
Tsitsipas is set to represent Greece in the United Cup, where his team will face Japan and Great Britain in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, according to tournament organisers.
“My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches,” he said. “The most important thing is full belief that I can come back to where I was.”
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