- Stefanos Tsitsipas says severe back pain in 2025 made him consider retiring from tennis.
- The former world No.3 struggled after a second-round US Open exit and could not walk for two days.
- Five weeks of a pain-free off-season and ongoing medical treatment have given him hope for 2026.
- Tsitsipas will play for Greece at the United Cup and aims to return to top form.
H2: Tsitsipas reveals how bad 2025 became
Stefanos Tsitsipas has admitted he seriously considered ending his career after a difficult, injury-hit 2025 season. The Greek, once ranked as high as world No.3, said persistent back pain left him wondering, “Can I play another match without pain?”.
He described the low point coming after his second-round US Open loss to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, when he could not walk for two days. That episode, he said, forced him to question the future of his tennis career.
H3: From Grand Slam finals to a season of pain
Tsitsipas, 27, has been a major figure on the tour — he was runner-up at the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open. But after August’s US Open he played just two Davis Cup matches and slipped to 36th in the world rankings.
“My biggest concern was if I could finish a match,” Tsitsipas told reporters, saying the injury had haunted him for “the last six or eight months.” Ongoing medical treatment and a structured care plan have been central to his recovery.
H3: Signs of recovery in the off-season
After completing five weeks of off-season training without pain, Tsitsipas reported real progress. He said the pain-free pre-season gave him “great feedback” and renewed belief that he can return to his previous level.
“I put in the work. The most important thing is full belief that I can come back to where I was. I will try everything to do that,” he said.
H2: Looking ahead — United Cup and beyond
Tsitsipas will represent Greece at the United Cup, where his group includes Naomi Osaka’s Japan and Great Britain led by Emma Raducanu. The event runs in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week before the Australian Open.
He made clear his aim for 2026: “My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches.” That simple goal underlines how much the ability to complete matches without pain matters to his future.
H4: What this means for fans and the tour
If Tsitsipas can maintain his pain-free form, he could return to being a consistent threat on tour and a key player for Greece in team competitions. His situation also highlights the physical toll top-level tennis can take and the importance of medical care, rest and careful planning in a player’s return from injury.
H5: The immediate plan
Tsitsipas will continue his medical treatment and tailored training as he prepares for the United Cup and the Australian Open. For now, the focus is simple: finish matches pain-free and rebuild confidence match by match.
(Reporting based on statements made to BBC Sport.)
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cvg5lrgr449o
