Wimbledon 2025: A Disappointing Start
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 24th seed, suffered a painful first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, retiring due to a recurring back injury. The 26-year-old was trailing French qualifier Valentin Royer 6-3, 6-2 when he made the decision to stop the match. This marks another disappointing result in a string of underwhelming performances for the Greek star.
Physical Struggles and Frustration
Tsitsipas struggled visibly during the match, with his movement and serve significantly hampered. He landed only 43% of his first serves and received a medical timeout in the second set, which provided little relief. “It’s tough to describe. I’m battling many wars these days,” Tsitsipas said after his retirement. “It’s really painful to see myself in a situation like this”.
Lingering Injury and Uncertain Future
The back injury has been a persistent issue for Tsitsipas, with Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, noting his struggles during practice sessions the week before Wimbledon. Tsitsipas himself admitted to feeling “fragile” with his body since the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin a couple of years ago.
“Left Without Answers”: A Career at a Crossroads?
Following his retirement, Tsitsipas expressed uncertainty about his future in tennis. “I feel like I’m left without answers. I don’t know what to do,” he confessed. He admitted that he might have to make a “final decision” about continuing his career if his health doesn’t improve. “If I see this is going on the same direction, there is no point of competing,” Tsitsipas stated. “As a person, I have a limit”.
Considering Retirement
Tsitsipas’s recent struggles have taken a significant toll on his motivation. “If health is not there, then your whole tennis life becomes miserable,” he said. This statement raises concerns about the future of a player once considered a potential Grand Slam champion.
A History of Physical Issues
Tsitsipas traced his injury issues back to the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals. He has been “battling a war of feeling healthy” and has struggled to find a balance that allows him to compete at his best.
Ivanisevic’s Harsh Assessment
Goran Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion who joined Tsitsipas’s coaching team in May, delivered a brutally honest assessment of the player’s current state. “I have never seen a more unprepared player in my life!” Ivanisevic exclaimed. He expressed frustration with Tsitsipas’s lack of effort to improve, despite possessing the desire to succeed.
“Never Seen a More Unprepared Player”
Ivanisevic didn’t hold back in his criticism, stating that Tsitsipas isn’t “remotely prepared to compete at this level”. He even joked that his own knees, at 53, are in better shape than Tsitsipas’s, who is 26. “The desire is there, but he does nothing to improve things,” Ivanisevic said.
Seeking a “Clear Direction”
Tsitsipas had hoped that Ivanisevic, with his experience as a Grand Slam champion and coach to Novak Djokovic, could provide him with a “clear direction”. However, the partnership has yet to yield the desired results, and Tsitsipas’s future remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead: Reinvention or Farewell?
Despite the recent setbacks, Tsitsipas has expressed a desire to “reinvent” himself. He acknowledged being “stuck in a pattern” and is seeking a “fresh, new 2025”. This includes improving not only his tennis but also finding more stability in his life outside of the sport.
Aiming for Improvement
Tsitsipas hopes to manage stress, stay focused, and implement playing patterns that suit him while adding tactical variety. He remains optimistic about his progress and aims to showcase the results of his work with Ivanisevic.
US Open: A Final Chance?
For now, Tsitsipas will focus on his recovery, with the goal of being fully fit for the US Open in August. This may be his last opportunity to compete for a Grand Slam title in 2025 and potentially a turning point in his career.
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