Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Retirement After Injury-Plagued 2025 Season
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 27-year-old Greek tennis star, faced a challenging 2025 season marked by severe back pain that left him contemplating retirement. Once ranked as high as third in the world, Tsitsipas struggled to maintain his form throughout the year.
Back Injury and Career Concerns
Tsitsipas’s injury affected his performance significantly. He is currently ranked 36th after only participating in two Davis Cup matches since his second-round exit at the US Open in August. The pain had haunted him for the last six to eight months, raising doubts about his ability to continue competing at a high level.
- Ranked as high as 3rd in the world
- Runner-up in the 2021 French Open
- Runner-up in the 2023 Australian Open
- Currently ranked 36th
- Only played 2 Davis Cup matches in 2025
Medical Treatment and Progress
Fortunately, Tsitsipas has begun to see positive changes thanks to ongoing medical treatment. After five weeks of off-season training without pain, he expressed relief at his progress. “I’m most excited to see how my training responds regarding my back,” he shared.
His greatest concern was whether he could finish matches without discomfort. “I asked myself, ‘Can I play another match without pain?’” he noted. After a painful loss to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier at the US Open, where he struggled to walk for two days, Tsitsipas considered his future in tennis seriously.
Looking Ahead: The United Cup and 2026 Ambitions
Despite the hurdles, Tsitsipas remains optimistic about the future. He is set to represent Greece in the upcoming United Cup, scheduled from January 2 to 11, 2026, alongside Japan, led by Naomi Osaka, and Great Britain, captained by Emma Raducanu.
“My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches,” he declared. With a dedicated training regimen and a solid care plan, Tsitsipas is determined to reclaim his previous form.
- Participating in the United Cup from January 2 to 11, 2026
- Grouped with Japan and Great Britain
Tsitsipas’s commitment to hard work and recovery reflects his belief that he can return to elite levels of play. He aims to deliver exceptional performances in the upcoming season and prove his resilience on the court.
