Stefanos Tsitsipas is known for fluid movement and long rallies. In 2025, that image cracked. A severe back injury left him unable to walk for two days after a US Open loss. The pain was not just physical. It forced one of Greece’s finest athletes to question his future in tennis.The trouble had been building for months. Tsitsipas said the back pain followed him for six to eight months. Matches became uncertain battles. The biggest worry was frightening: whether a match could even be finished. For an elite athlete, that doubt can be heavier than defeat.The US Open moment that changed everythingThe breaking point came after the second-round loss to Daniel Altmaier at the US Open in August 2025. The pain escalated sharply. Tsitsipas revealed he could not walk for two days. That moment pushed him into uncomfortable thoughts about retirement. Careers are often decided in such silent, painful hours.From world No. 3 to forced pauseThis struggle was striking because of where Tsitsipas came from. He reached world No. 3 and played Grand Slam finals at the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open. By late 2025, he had played only two Davis Cup matches and slipped to No. 36. The fall was not about form. It was about survival.Fear of pain, not fear of losingWhat haunted Tsitsipas most was not ranking or trophies. It was pain returning mid-match. He admitted asking himself if another match could be played without pain. That fear can drain confidence faster than any opponent. It shows how injuries test the mind as much as the body.Relief came through ongoing medical care and a careful plan. Tsitsipas completed five weeks of off-season training without pain. For him, that felt like a win. Training without fear offered rare mental peace. Progress, even slow, meant the body was finally listening.Tsitsipas is set to play the United Cup for Greece in early January, ahead of the Australian Open. His goal for 2026 is modest yet powerful: finishing matches without worrying about pain. The belief is returning, built on work, patience, and a pain-free pre-season.Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for injury-related concerns.
When pain stopped everything: The back injury that made Stefanos Tsitsipas rethink tennis
