Stefanos Tsitsipas’ appearance at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia didn’t go as planned.
The exhibition event looked like a good chance for him to regain some momentum and close out what has been a disappointing season on a high note.
After dropping down to 30th in the world rankings this year, Tsitsipas could have used a win over Jannik Sinner, now ranked number two, to give his season some much-needed direction.
But things didn’t play out that way. Tsitsipas was beaten by Sinner in just over an hour, with the Italian taking the match in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.
Since January, Tsitsipas has tallied 22 wins and 18 losses while also making several changes within his coaching team.
While he did manage to pick up a title in Dubai, the former world number three hasn’t looked like himself for much of this season.
Stefanos Tsitsipas addresses his difficult 2025 season on the ATP tour
Following his loss to Sinner, Tsitsipas spoke openly in his post-match press conference about the difficulties he’s faced throughout 2025.
Asked what it would take to get back into the world’s top five, he replied: “I need a healthy body. I’ve been discussing this with my team.”
“I need a healthy body to give myself more chances to maybe rebound and be back in the top five. If I’m not going to be healthy, it’s going to be a very difficult task for me to be at the top of my game again.
“This is the truth. This is the reality. I think everyone agrees with me. There’s not a single person who disagrees, and that has been the biggest concern in the last couple of months.
“My body has not been where I want it to be. Call it chronic overtraining, overuse, or the demand of the tour. I don’t know what it is.
“I wish I had an answer, but I have played a lot of matches in my life, and my body is feeling it at this very moment.
“I just wish I could find ways at some point that I can maybe play 5 to 6 matches in a row and not feel pain after finishing the match. So far, it hasn’t been the case.”
Tsitsipas has recently dealt with back issues that even required hospital treatment for readjustment.
The Greek star added: “I don’t know [when I’ll be 100% again]. I wish I knew that. I’m working more than I ever worked in my life.”
“I’m working more than my best year – which was probably 2019 – so that’s crazy.” He continued, “I’m putting double that amount of work compared to then.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas shares plans for remaining 2025 ATP Tour appearances
After his loss at the Six Kings Slam, Tsitsipas posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Witnessing greatness up close makes you hungry for more. “Working hard to finish the season strong in Vienna, Paris and Athens.”
The Greek will start his indoor hard-court stretch at the Vienna Open, then head to Paris for the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the year.
READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev says he has no regrets missing Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia
Tsitsipas is also set to compete in Athens, where he’ll take part in the revamped ATP 250 tournament held in his home country.
Sitting on just 1,425 live points in the ‘Race to Turin’, he’s already out of contention for a spot at this year’s ATP Finals.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
