The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away During Pain-Filled 2025 Season
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe back issues throughout the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear was whether I could complete an encounter," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance for Greece at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.
"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."
