At the end of 2023, the two-time Grand Slam finalist suffered a back injury, which he has been dealing with since.
During last year’s clay season, Tsitsipas’ back injury worsened at times, causing him major problems. Before ending his season in September, the Greek’s last consecutive victories came at the Barcelona Open in April.
Now, ahead of his return to United Cup action, the current world number 36 reveals the extent of the injury following his US Open second round loss to Daniel Altmaier.
Tsitsipas: My biggest concern was whether I could finish a match…
“I’m most curious to see how my actual training responds to my back. My biggest concern was whether I would be able to finish a match… I would ask, ‘Can I play another match without pain?’ I got really scared after the US Open defeat. I couldn’t walk for two days. That’s the moment when you reconsider the future of your career,” the 27-year-old said sadly at the United Cup.
After Tsitsipas ended his 2025 season prematurely, his back responded positively to the treatment he underwent. The Greek tennis star is now ready to play – hoping to stay healthy in 2026 – but also rediscover his best form.
“It’s great feedback knowing you’ve had a pre-season without pain. I hope it stays that way. I want to perform for 2026 and the United Cup. I’ve done everything I can. The most important thing is complete confidence that I can get back to where I was. I will do everything I can to do that,” the former world number 3 added.
For the fourth year in a row, Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari lead Greece at the United Cup. The top-ranked Greek male tennis player will play against Shintaro Mochizuki on Friday.
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