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Tsitsipas Opens 2026 at United Cup After Back Injury Had Him Weighing Retirement

The world No. 36 reports five pain-free weeks of training, with the priority now to finish matches without back pain.

Overview

  • He said a severe post‑US Open back episode left him unable to walk for two days, leading him to seriously consider ending his career.
  • He completed five weeks of off‑season work without pain and says ongoing medical care, including consultation with a leading sports doctor, has renewed his confidence.
  • He leads Greece at the United Cup in Perth and Sydney from January 2–11, grouped with Japan and Great Britain, and is set to face Shintaro Mochizuki in his opening match.
  • His ranking has slipped to 36 after an injury‑hit 2025 that included a retirement at Wimbledon, a second‑round US Open exit, and limited Davis Cup participation.
  • He has reunited with his father Apostolos as coach after a brief stint with Goran Ivanisevic, describing efforts to better manage their often combustible dynamic.