The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Walking Away Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.
The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule since his early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training responds during regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"
"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."
He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training 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 captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.
"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at 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 try all means to achieve that."
