Stefanos Tsitsipas Seriously Considered Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of severe back issues throughout the season.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my training holds up under actual training concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.
"My main goal next season would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – 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."
