Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that he seriously contemplated retiring from professional tennis due to persistent back pain during his injury-plagued 2025 season. The 27-year-old former world number three has faced one of the toughest periods of his career, raising questions about his future in the sport.

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Tsitsipas’ Struggle With Injuries in 2025

Tsitsipas, who has previously reached the finals of Grand Slam tournaments, including the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open, struggled to maintain form last year due to chronic back issues. After a second-round exit at the US Open in August, the Greek star only managed to compete in two Davis Cup matches, leading to a significant drop in the ATP rankings to world number 36.

Reflecting on his struggles, Tsitsipas admitted, “My biggest concern was if I could finish a match.” He described a period of six to eight months where pain constantly disrupted his performance, leaving him questioning whether he could continue his professional career.

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The Moment Retirement Felt Real

The most alarming moment came after his US Open loss to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. Tsitsipas revealed, “I got really scared after the US Open loss. I could not walk for two days. That’s when you reconsider the future of your career.” The severity of the back pain forced him to confront the possibility of stepping away from tennis entirely.

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Recovery and Optimism for 2026

Despite the challenges, Tsitsipas is now showing signs of recovery. After five weeks of off-season training, he reports being pain-free and optimistic about his upcoming season. “I’m most excited to see how my actual training responds with regard to my back,” Tsitsipas said, emphasizing that his medical treatment and training regimen are giving him hope for a strong comeback.

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Tsitsipas’ 2026 Goals: United Cup and Beyond

Tsitsipas will represent Greece in the United Cup, where his team is grouped with Japan, led by Naomi Osaka, and Great Britain, captained by Emma Raducanu. The tournament runs from 2 to 11 January in Perth and Sydney, serving as a crucial lead-up to the Australian Open.

“My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches,” Tsitsipas said. “It makes great feedback knowing you had a pre-season without pain—I hope it stays that way. I want to deliver for 2026 and the United Cup. I put in the work. The most important thing is full belief that I can come back to where I was. I will try everything to do that.”

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Looking Ahead: Can Tsitsipas Return to Form?

The Greek star’s journey back from injury will be closely watched by tennis fans and analysts alike. With his combination of powerful baseline shots, tactical intelligence, and resilience, Tsitsipas has the tools to return to the top ranks of men’s tennis—if he can maintain his health.

Experts believe that managing sports injuries, following advanced physiotherapy, and carefully planning his tournament schedule will be crucial for Tsitsipas’ 2026 season success.

Fans will eagerly anticipate whether the former top-three player can reclaim his place among the world’s elite, making his recovery and performance a key storyline in the upcoming tennis calendar.