"My recovery has been insane": Stefanos Tsitsipas describes comeback from crippling back injury as quicker than any other player

Monday, 15 January 2024 at 22:00

Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 6) returned to the 2024 Australian Open with an impressive victory over the Belgian Zizou Bergs (No. 129) by 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, advancing to the second round of the tournament. The Greek player came back for his first official match since withdrawing in the middle of the ATP Finals in November of last year.

The former world No. 3 had been dealing with a back injury, and there were doubts about the level he would display after the injury. According to Tsitsipas, his recovery has been much faster than usual: "My recovery has kind of been insane," he said.

"I'm talking on behalf of players that have had this injury in the past. I have spoken to a few of them. It's something that tennis players are faced with at some period of their career," 2023 Aussie Open finalist said. "It's an injury that's more common than I initially thought," he added.

"My recovery has been astonishing, in a way, because it's been quicker, in fact, than any other player. I have done anything that I had under my control to get back on court as soon as possible."

Tsitsipas’ pre season

According to the Greek player, his recovery involved different equipment and machinery to get back in shape, which took some time on the court during the weeks leading up to the tournament: "It's a tricky part of the year because, you know, the year has just ended, and you usually, typically, get two weeks off," Stefanos Tsitsipas said. "Then you're back on the court, working on your tennis, trying to come up with new stuff that might serve you well in 2024."

"I was away from that, trying to recover, trying to use machines and equipments that I used for these kind of injuries. I didn't spend that much time on court," he added. "It was a tricky part during the preseason to be faced with something like this," the Greek said. "But now I'm healthy. I'm headed to the right direction. I feel like I can keep adding to it and eventually see myself the way I was able to play at the beginning of last year," Tsitsipas concluded.

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Tsitsipas hit the shot of the year against Bergs Zizou hit a shot that barely goes over the net Stefanos reached over & slaps it away He put every ounce of effort into not touching the net 😂 Zizou can’t believe it Pure entertainment

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5:53 AM · Jan 15, 2024

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

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