Fri Jan 02 10:50:00 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

Stefanos Tsitsipas, now ranked 36th, considered retiring due to severe back pain that plagued him throughout the 2025 season, especially after the US Open. He is now feeling optimistic after five weeks of pain-free off-season training and looks forward to the 2026 season, including the United Cup, hoping to compete without the fear of not being able to finish matches. He aims to return to his previous form.

News Article:

Tsitsipas Reveals Retirement Fears Amid Back Injury, Eyes Comeback in 2026

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – Former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he contemplated retiring from professional tennis due to debilitating back pain during the 2025 season. The Greek star, currently ranked 36th, said the injury reached a critical point after the US Open in August, leaving him unable to walk for two days.

“I got really scared after the US Open loss,” Tsitsipas admitted. “I could not walk for two days. That’s when you reconsider the future of your career.”

The 27-year-old, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, revealed the persistent pain had haunted him for six to eight months, impacting his ability to complete matches.

However, Tsitsipas is now optimistic about his prospects for the 2026 season. Following five weeks of pain-free off-season training, he expressed renewed hope for a return to form.

“I’m most excited to see how my actual training responds with regard to my back,” Tsitsipas stated. “My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches.”

Tsitsipas is set to represent Greece in the upcoming United Cup, facing challenging group matches against teams led by Naomi Osaka (Japan) and Emma Raducanu (Great Britain). The tournament, held in Perth and Sydney from January 2nd to 11th, serves as a crucial warm-up ahead of the Australian Open.

“I want to deliver for 2026 and the United Cup,” he affirmed. “I put in the work. The most important thing is full belief that I can come back to where I was. I will try everything to do that.”

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