The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away Amid Pain-Filled 2025 Season

The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career because of severe spinal pain during the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under actual training with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding 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, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to make it happen."