Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Retirement During Pain-Filled Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career due to debilitating spinal pain throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, 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 post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"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 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
His next appearance for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the team championship.
"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."