The Greek tennis star Seriously Considered Retirement 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 severe back issues throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a early exit in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.
"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."
Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.
He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.
"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback 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 team championship.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."
