Stefanos Tsitsipas' chances of success at the 2023 ATP Finals are in doubt after reports claimed that he was struggling with an elbow issue during practice.
World No. 6 Tsitsipas qualified for the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin while competing at the Paris Masters last week. His name had been in the race for a while, with a run to the final of the Australian Open and his victory at the Los Cabos Open helping him along despite some difficult periods during the season.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that the 25-year-old has qualified for the season-ending championship. He even won it back in 2019, defeating Dominic Thiem in the final 6-7, 6-2, 7-6. This year, he will start his campaign against World No. 4 Jannik Sinner on Sunday, November 12, before facing his fellow Green Group members Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune.
However, Tsitsipas' chances at the 2023 edition of the tournament could be dealt a blow after it was reported that he was struggling with elbow issues. According to tennis journalist Jose Morgado: "Reports from Turin that Tsitsipas stopped in the middle of his practice for a 2nd consecutive day. Elbow not at 100%."
Morgado added that the situation was "A pity because Tsitsipas has been playing well lately...". After failing to put together back-to-back wins over the summer and autumn, Tsitsipas had appeared to re-find his level with runs to the semi-final at the recent European Open, Vienna Open, and Paris Masters. The first alternate for the tournament is World No. 11 Hubert Hurkacz, who won the Shanghai Masters last month.
This is not the first time that Tsitsipas has had to deal with elbow injuries. In fact, he revealed in early 2022 that he almost retired because of them in the past: "I remember being at the [2021] ATP Finals a few days before the surgery, and I was thinking of quitting," he said, "I didn’t think that anybody would be able to help me heal and get back to where I wanted."
Thankfully, the surgery proved to be very successful and he was able to continue playing and getting results. However, it could be an issue that affects his performance in Turin. Fans have since taken to social media to express their concern and to wish Tsitsipas well.
"This would be way too unfair. He's played so well and has earned his place in the finals. He can't just get injured now before it gets underway," wrote one, while another added "That doesn't sound good! Hope Tsitsipas is okay tomorrow."
Reports from Turin that Tsitsipas stopped in the middle of his practice for a 2nd consecutive day. Elbow not at 100%. Tsitsipas scheduled to open the event vs. Sinner tomorrow 2.30pm local. Hurkacz is the 1st alternate. A pity because Tsitsipas has been playing well lately...
