Stefanos Tsitsipas Contemplated Walking Away During Injury-Plagued Campaign
Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.
Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under actual training concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."
"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"
"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.
His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"The greatest victory next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.
"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver 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."
