Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in motion throughout his quarter closing match in opposition to Italy’s Jannik Sinner on the Six Kings Slam, ANB Area, Riyadh. Picture: REUTERS
SYDNEY:
Stefanos Tsitsipas mentioned he’s hoping to rediscover his greatest tennis in 2026 after a again damage disrupted his marketing campaign final yr.
The previous world quantity three performed solely two singles rubbers for Greece within the Davis Cup in September following a second-round exit on the U.S. Open the earlier month, earlier than taking day without work to get well.
Tsitsipas, now ranked thirty sixth, will lead Greece on the United Cup in Perth and Sydney from January 2 to 11, the week earlier than the Australian Open.
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“The final three or 4 tournaments of the season I might barely maintain up,” the 27-year-old advised match organisers.
“So it was essential to attempt to discover one thing that may convey me again once more wholesome.
“I did all the required actions and took all the required steps to rehabilitate and get again to what I keep in mind myself being.”
Tsitsipas managed solely two wins on the majors final yr, retiring within the first spherical at Wimbledon.
In July, the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open runner-up reunited along with his father Apostolos as coach after ending a short stint with Goran Ivanisevic, who helped Novak Djokovic declare 9 of his 24 Grand Slam titles.
“I bought actually scared after my U.S. Open loss with my again, as a result of I simply couldn’t stroll for 2 days,” Tsitsipas mentioned.
“When issues like that occur, you begin reconsidering the way forward for your profession.
“That’s my largest want for 2026 – to complete matches and never have to consider any points concerning my again.”
Williams receives wildcard entry
Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard entry, the match’s organisers mentioned on Friday, marking her first look at Melbourne Park in 5 years.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner final performed on the match in 2021, exiting within the second spherical to Italy’s Sara Errani.
Regardless of 21 earlier campaigns, the American has by no means lifted the trophy, ending runner-up twice – shedding to sister Serena within the finals in 2003 and 2017.
“I’m excited to be again in Australia and looking out ahead to competing in the course of the summer season,” Williams, 45, mentioned.
“I’ve had so many unbelievable recollections there and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a spot that has meant a lot to my profession.”
Williams will grow to be the oldest lady to characteristic within the Australian Open predominant draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she bowed out within the first spherical in 2015.
She has additionally accepted a wildcard for the Hobart Worldwide, a warm-up occasion beginning on January 12, the place she’s going to be a part of fellow main winners Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
