The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule since his early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training responds during regular practice with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.
"The greatest victory next season would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."