Stefanos Tsitsipas Addresses Surgery Rumors
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the prominent Greek tennis star, has recently responded to rumors suggesting he underwent surgery for a back issue. In a social media post, he clarified,
“Dear friends and supporters, in light of recent reports, I would like to confirm that I have not undergone back surgery and I am doing well. I truly appreciate your concern and kind messages, as they mean a lot.”
Challenges on the Court
These declarations come amid a challenging period for Tsitsipas, who has faced significant struggles on the court over recent months, with health issues contributing to his performance woes. At 27 years old, Tsitsipas has not been as active on the tennis circuit as he would prefer; he was forced to exit early in his first match at Wimbledon and opted to part ways with his coach Goran Ivanisevic, returning to train under the guidance of his father.
Recent Performances and Withdrawals
His most recent outing was at the Davis Cup, where he initially succeeded against Thiago Seyboth Wild. However, he later withdrew during a crucial tie, reportedly needing injections to compete in a subsequent match against Joao Fonseca, highlighting the ongoing concerns related to his back injury.
While Tsitsipas has battled health issues, some news sources in Greece had speculated about surgical intervention. His announcement aims to quell these rumors, yet questions arise about his fitness, particularly following his recent decision to withdraw from the upcoming 2025 China Open in Beijing. This decision has led to speculation about his health, as healthy players typically do not withdraw from ATP 500 events without significant reasons.
Future Plans
Instead of competing in China, Tsitsipas will participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, stepping in for the injured Jack Draper. This event offers a lucrative $1.5 million just for participation, further motivating his choice. With the Beijing event scheduled from September 25 to October 1 and the Six Kings Slam starting on October 15, Tsitsipas appears to be prioritizing his recovery and ensuring he is in optimal condition for his next competitive engagements at the Shanghai Masters and the exhibition in Riyadh.
Despite his reassurances, Tsitsipas’ high-profile withdrawals and ongoing health challenges underscore the fragility of his current situation, as he strives to regain full fitness for his future tournaments.