Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Walking Away Amid Pain-Filled Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career due to debilitating back issues during the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player 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 is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."
He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.
His next appearance for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had an off-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for 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 make it happen."
