Tsitsipas, raring to go in Perth, reveals his ‘biggest wish for 2026’
Stefanos Tsitsipas is full of renewed vigour as he chases a fresh start in 2026.
The former No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings struggled with a back injury in the second half of the 2025 season and did not compete again after playing two singles rubbers for Greece in the Davis Cup in September. Tsitsipas stepped away to focus on healing and is now feeling rested and refreshed in Perth, where he is preparing to represent Team Greece at the season-opening United Cup.
“I did spend some time recovering. I was absent from the courts for a long time,” reflected Tsitsipas on Thursday at Team Greece’s pre-tournament press conference. “The last three or four tournaments of the season I could barely hold up. 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 back at. So now so far I think it makes for great feedback, knowing that I’ve done my whole pre-season without any pain, without any discomfort. I’m just hoping that stays this way and I can deliver that starting with United Cup and hopefully for the 2026 season.”
A 12-time tour-level champion, Tsitsipas went 22-16 in 2025, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The 27-year-old has been trying to rebuild the physical foundation on which his explosive game has always been based.
“The thing that I’m most excited about is trying to see my actual training that I’ve been putting in the last couple of weeks and how it responds in regards also to my back, because my biggest concern has been: can I actually finish a match?” he said. “That was what was going through my mind the past six to eight months. I was constantly thinking, ‘If I win a match, will I be able to come back the next day and play another match without pain?
“I got really scared after my US Open loss with my back, because I just couldn’t walk for two days. When things like that happen, you start reconsidering the future of your career. I’m just hoping 2026 doesn’t bring any of that. I went to actually visit one of the best sports doctors in the world, and he so far is promising to heal me. I’m hoping this stays for 2026. That’s my biggest wish for 2026, is to finish matches and not have to think about any issues regarding my back.”
[ATP APP]Tstisipas’ first opponent of 2026 will be Shintaro Mochizuki. The pair’s maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash will follow a heavyweight WTA meeting between Maria Sakkari and Naomi Osaka as Team Greece and Team Japan face off in Friday’s night session at RAC Arena.
“We’ve played here plenty of times. Perth seems like it’s becoming part of one of the biggest cities of Greece little by little,” said Tsitsipas. “I’m glad that we’re back. It’s a great way to start the season. Couldn’t ask for anything better right now, honestly.
“I’m really hoping each and every one of our teammates is ready and prepared for war. We are going big. We are fighters. We’re Greek, so we’re going to try to make the most out of it.”
Tsitsipas also weighed in on renewing his mixed doubles partnership with Sakkari, herself a former World No. 3 singles player.
“I couldn’t ask for a better partner to play mixed doubles with,” said the Greek ATP Tour star. “I’ve known Maria for a very long time. I feel like our mixed doubles matches have built a lot of trust and confidence in what we’re good at and what we’re not so good at. Obviously there’s a tradeoff. We know our strengths. We know our weaknesses. We try and use that type of information to try and come up with the best doubles strategy and plan whenever we have the chance to play.
“Actually, reflecting on it, we’ve had so many amazing comebacks, but also appearances, including the Olympics. Thinking about it, 15 years ago I would never have pictured myself in a situation like this where I get to be on top of the game that I love the most with the female equivalent from my country.”
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