The Greek tennis star Contemplated Walking Away During Injury-Plagued Campaign

Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport due to severe spinal pain throughout the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the finals of 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 in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body responds during regular practice concerning my back," commented 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 would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."

He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory for 2026 would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."