Tsitsipas eyes fresh start in 2026 after injury-hit season

Stefanos Tsitsipas said he is hoping to rediscover his best tennis in 2026 after a back injury disrupted his campaign last year.

The former world No 3 played only two singles rubbers for Greece in the Davis Cup in September following a second-round exit at the US Open the previous month, before taking time off to recover.

Shocking Stefanos Tsitsipas retirement comments highlight the depth of his despair#Tsitsipas #tennishttps://t.co/nkQNEdE725

Tsitsipas, now ranked 36th, will lead Greece at the United Cup in Perth and Sydney from January 2 to 11, the week before the Australian Open.

“The last three or four tournaments of the season I could barely hold up,” the 27-year-old told tournament organisers.

“So it was important to try and find something that will bring me back again healthy.

“I did all the necessary actions and took all the necessary steps to rehabilitate and get back to what I remember myself being.”

Tsitsipas managed only two wins at the majors last year, retiring in the first round at Wimbledon.

In July, the 2021 French Open and 2023 Australian Open runner-up reunited with his father Apostolos as coach after ending a brief stint with Goran Ivanisevic, who helped Novak Djokovic claim nine of his 24 Grand Slam titles.

“I got really scared after my US Open loss with my back, because I just couldn’t walk for two days,” Tsitsipas said.

“When things like that happen, you start reconsidering the future of your career.

“That’s my biggest wish for 2026 - to finish matches and not have to think about any issues regarding my back.”