United Cup
Tsitsipas, who is preparing to travel to Perth, reveals his ‘big ambition for 2026’
The former World No. 3 to lead Team Greece alongside Sakkari in the United Cup
January 01, 2026
Trevor Collins/Tennis Australia
Stefanos Tsisipas during United Cup training in Perth.
By ATP staff
Stefanos Tsitsipas is full of renewed energy as he chases a fresh start in 2026.
The former No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings struggled with a back injury in the second half of the 2025 season and did not compete again after playing two solo rubbers for Greece at the Davis Cup in September. Tsitsipas has withdrawn to focus on treatment and is now feeling rested and refreshed in Perth, as he prepares to represent Team Greece in the season-opening United Cup.
“I spent some time recovering. I wasn’t on the courts for a long time,” Tsitsipas showed on Thursday at the press conference of Team Greece before the tournament. “The last three or four races of the season I couldn’t hold so it was important that I try to find something that will get me back fit.
“I did all the necessary steps and I took all the necessary steps to correct the situation and get back to what I remember to be back to. Now so far I think there is a good response, I know that I did all my pre-season without pain, without discomfort. I hope that it will stay like this and I can bring that from the United Cup and hopefully for the 2026 season.”
A 12-time tour-level champion, Tsitsipas is 22-16 in 2025, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The 27-year-old has been trying to rebuild the physical foundation on which his explosive game has been based.
“The thing I’m most excited about is trying to see my real training that I’ve been doing for the past few weeks and how it responds to my back, because my biggest concern has been: can I really finish the game?” he said. “That’s what was on my mind for the last six to eight months.
“I was very scared after my US Open loss from behind, because I couldn’t walk for two days. When things like that happen, you start to rethink the future of your career. I just hope that 2026 will not bring that. I went to visit one of the best sports doctors in the world, and so far he promises to heal me my biggest 26s. 2026, to finish the games and not have to think about any problems about my back.”
Tstisipas’ first opponent for 2026 will be Shintaro Mochizuki. The Lexus ATP Head2Head will go head-to-head following a tough WTA encounter between Maria Sakkari and Naomi Osaka as Team Greece and Team Japan meet on Friday night at the RAC Arena.
“We’ve played here many times. Perth seems like it’s slowly becoming part of a big Greek city,” said Tsitsipas. “I’m glad we’re back. It’s a great way to start the season. I couldn’t ask for anything better right now, honestly.
“I hope that all our colleagues are ready and prepared for the war. We are moving forward. We are not fighters. We are Greeks, so we will try to do our best.”
Tsitsipas also focused on reviving his mixed doubles partnership with Sakkari, also a former World No. 1 singles player. 3.
“I couldn’t ask for a better partner to play mixed doubles with,” said the Greek ATP Tour star. “I’ve known Maria for a very long time. I feel like our mixed doubles games have created a lot of trust and confidence in what we’re good at and what we’re not good at. Obviously there’s a trade-off. We know our strengths. We know our weaknesses. We also try to use that kind of knowledge to try to come up with better strategies and plan whenever we get a chance to play.”
“Actually, when I think about it, we’ve had a lot of amazing returns, but we’ve also evolved, including the Olympics. When I think about it, 15 years ago I wouldn’t have seen myself in a situation like this where I get to be at the top of the sport I love so much with women like my country.”
