Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Retirement Amid Pain-Filled 2025 Season

A competitive moment for Tsitsipas

The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his early exit in New York in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury plagued 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 your career's future."

He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed 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.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."

Madison Adams
Madison Adams

A passionate writer and artist who shares insights on creativity and mindful living, drawing from years of experience in various creative fields.