The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign
The athlete entered the previous US Open as the 26th seed.
The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career 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 in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.
"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry centered on if I could complete a match," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last half a year or more."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"
"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan after finishing five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.
"My main goal next season is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.
"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.
"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."
