In a shocking and unexpected announcement, Greek tennis star **Stefanos Tsitsipas** has revealed his decision to retire from professional tennis, citing **ongoing mental and physical health issues** as the primary reasons behind his departure. This stunning revelation has sent waves through the tennis community, as Tsitsipas, only 25 years old, was considered one of the brightest talents on the ATP Tour and a future Grand Slam champion.
Tsitsipas, who has been a fixture in the top 10 of the ATP rankings for several years, opened up about the struggles he has faced in recent months. In a heartfelt statement released to the media and posted on his social media accounts, Tsitsipas expressed the toll that constant travel, competition, and pressure had taken on both his body and mind. “Tennis has been my life for as long as I can remember,” he wrote, “but the physical and emotional demands have become overwhelming. I need to step away to prioritize my health and well-being.”
The Greek star has long been seen as one of the most promising players in the sport, reaching the finals of the 2021 French Open and securing several Masters 1000 titles. However, his career has also been marred by injuries and a visible struggle with mental fatigue, which have affected his consistency in recent seasons. Fans and analysts had noticed Tsitsipas’ emotional outbursts on the court and his occasional lapses in form, which now seem to be symptoms of a larger battle behind the scenes.
In his announcement, Tsitsipas spoke candidly about the pressures of life on tour, mentioning how the constant competition left him feeling mentally drained. “I’ve pushed myself to the limit, and while I’ve experienced some incredible highs, I’ve also faced difficult lows. Right now, I need to take time to heal and rediscover my passion for the game away from the spotlight.”
The tennis world has been quick to react, with fellow players, coaches, and fans expressing their shock and support. Former world No. 1 and mentor Roger Federer tweeted, “Stefanos has given so much to this sport, and we all hope he finds the peace and strength he needs. Tennis will miss him, but his health comes first.”
For Tsitsipas, the decision to step away is not necessarily permanent. In his statement, he left the door open for a possible return, writing, “This is not a goodbye forever. I hope to come back when I am ready, but for now, I need to take care of myself.”
While the tennis community mourns the loss of one of its most dynamic players, there is hope that Tsitsipas will find the time and space he needs to recover and, potentially, return to the sport he loves.
