The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away During Pain-Filled 2025 Season

The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating spinal pain during the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat 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."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."