Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that a serious back injury during the 2025 season has made him seriously consider retiring from the sport after the painful episode left him unable to walk for two days and deeply uncertain about his future on the tour.
The former world number three, who slipped outside the top 30 after a tough year, said the crisis came after his second-round defeat to German Daniel Altmaier at the 2025 US Open.
The loss compounded months of lingering back problems and turned what had been a lingering physical problem into a moment of consideration as to whether he could continue to compete at the highest level.
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“I was really scared that I couldn’t walk for two days,” he admitted, describing how the moment made him rethink his tennis future.
TSISIPAS REVEALS BIGGEST TARGET
Tsitsipas explained that his pain had lasted for “six or eight months”, questioning his ability to finish matches, a major problem for any elite athlete.
“I would ask, ‘Can I play another game pain-free?'” he said, recalling how each outing became as much a battle of endurance as skill.
“My biggest win for 2026 would be not having to worry about finishing matches,” added Tsitsipas.
Despite the bleak tone of the final months of his season, Tsitsipas said a period of intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation helped restore his optimism.
The Greek has completed five weeks of pain-free off-season training, which he described as “the best possible feedback” as he looks ahead to 2026. His focus now is straightforward – to stay healthy, compete freely and restore confidence in his body’s ability to withstand the demands of the tour.
“I put in the work,” he said, expressing his belief that he can return to his top form. Tsitsipas also highlighted his ambition to excel at the United Cup, where he will lead Greece alongside Mario Sakkari, and use it as a springboard for a strong season ahead.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
January 1, 2026
