Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas mentioned he accomplished 5 weeks of low season coaching with out ache. Picture: AFP
PERTH:
Stefanos Tsitsipas mentioned on Thursday he significantly thought-about retiring from tennis within the depths of a battle with critical again ache throughout a lot of the 2025 season.
However the former world quantity three, now ranked thirty sixth after taking part in simply two Davis Cup matches since a second-round exit on the US Open, mentioned his ongoing medical therapy gave the impression to be paying dividends.
“I am most excited to see how my precise coaching responds with regard to my again,” the 27-year-old mentioned as he ready to open his 2026 marketing campaign for Greece on the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth, Australia.
“My greatest concern was if I may end a match,” added the 2023 Australian Open finalist, who mentioned the harm haunted him “for the final six or eight months”.
“I might ask: ‘Can I play one other match with out ache?'”
“I acquired actually scared after the US Open loss (to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier). I couldn’t stroll for 2 days. That is whenever you rethink the way forward for your profession.”
Tsitsipas mentioned that after numerous medical consultations he was now glad along with his present care plan.
“My greatest win for 2026 can be to not have to fret about ending matches,” he mentioned, including that he accomplished 5 weeks of low season coaching with out ache.
“It makes nice suggestions realizing you had a pre-season with out ache — I hope it stays that manner. I wish to ship for 2026 and the United Cup.
“I put within the work. Crucial factor is full perception that I can come again to the place I used to be. I’ll attempt the whole lot to try this.”
Greece have grow to be regulars within the four-year historical past of the United Cup, performed in Perth and Sydney, with fellow comeback hopeful Maria Sakkari, additionally a former world quantity three, becoming a member of Tsitsipas within the group.
“We’re right here once more, with group and nice spirit. We’re ready for conflict — we’re Greek. We’re going huge,” Tsitsipas mentioned.
Greece are grouped with Naomi Osaka’s Japan and the Emma Raducanu-led Britain.
