Stefanos Tsitsipas: A Year of Struggle and Honest Reflection

By Nicholas Albek, February 11, 2026

Stefanos Tsitsipas endured a remarkably difficult 2025 season, grappling with a serious back injury that significantly impacted his performance and ranking. Now, the Greek tennis star shares his candid thoughts in an exclusive interview with Bolavip, offering a raw and honest look at his journey through adversity.

A Season Unlike Any Other

Last year presented challenges Stefanos Tsitsipas had never faced before. A debilitating back injury forced him to drop out of the top ten, currently ranked 32nd in the world. In a revealing conversation with Bolavip during the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam, Tsitsipas opened up about the profound impact the past year has had on him, discussing the physical pain, emotional uncertainty, and the effect on his passion for the game.

The interview began with a touch of self-deprecating humor: “Did it look like I was moving well on the court? It didn’t always feel like that.” From September onwards, Tsitsipas only participated in one tournament – the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. The remainder of his time was spent sidelined, a situation entirely new to him throughout his career.

The Frustration of Being an Observer

“I had a long period without playing tennis, which I had never had before during my career,” Tsitsipas explained. “I felt like I was away from the court and the competition. Suddenly, I was just an observer of tennis and the ATP Tour, rather than an active participant.” This shift in perspective was particularly difficult for a player accustomed to being in the thick of the action.

Despite feeling relatively fit during his match against Arthur Rinderknech, Tsitsipas admitted his back continues to be a source of concern. He’s focused on managing the pain, stating: “It felt very odd and frustrating because I couldn’t do much. My back is like it is, and there are only so many things I can do. If it refuses to heal, all I can do is wait and consult as many specialists as possible.”

Emotional Toll and a Renewed Perspective

The physical struggles took a significant emotional toll. “I experienced a lot of uncertainty for many months,” Tsitsipas revealed. “Even when I won the tournament in Dubai, I wasn’t sure if I could sustain that level or even continue playing. It kept getting worse during the spring, and eventually, I stopped enjoying the game.”

This realization led to a profound shift in priorities. “The game becomes less important, and health becomes the most important thing in your life,” Tsitsipas concluded. “Even earlier this year, I still had a lot of uncertainty about my future.”

Tsitsipas secured a victory against Arthur Rinderknech and is set to face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp next. Given his recent revelations, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if his body can withstand the rigors of competition. The resilience of Stefanos Tsitsipas will undoubtedly be tested as he navigates his return to form.

About the Author

Nicholas Albek is a Danish sports journalist with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Fluent in English, Danish, and Swedish, he specializes in tennis coverage and has extensive experience reporting on soccer. Nicholas has traveled internationally to cover major tennis events and contributed to Danish soccer coverage at Bold.dk, his former workplace. Currently, Nicholas collaborates with Bolavip US, part of Better Collective, where he brings a detailed and reliable approach to his reporting. Better Collective also owns Futbol Sites. All rights reserved.