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Stefanos Tsitsipas explains his withdrawal from Athens and early end to the season

Originally posted on HITC | By Cameron Greenlees | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 11:42 AM ET

Stefanos Tsitsipas has officially closed the book on a challenging 2025 season after pulling out of one of the year’s last remaining tournaments.

The Greek was set to headline the Hellenic Championship, a new ATP 250 event in Athens, where he would have shared top billing with Novak Djokovic.

Instead, Tsitsipas will finish the year outside the top 30, currently sitting at No. 34 in the world – well below his usual standing and leaving him unseeded for next year’s Australian Open.

Back pain has been a recurring issue throughout his season and forced him to miss both the Shanghai Masters and Paris Masters in recent weeks.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Tsitsipas. He missed two months last year due to elbow problems that required surgery after Monte Carlo. His form hasn’t been quite right since then, and these ongoing issues aren’t helping matters.

Tsitsipas speaks out following withdrawal from Athens tournament

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the ex-world number three told fans: “Hi everyone, I’m sad to announce that I won’t be competing at the Hellenic Championship in Athens.

“My doctor advised me to rest and focus on recovery to be ready for the 2026 season.

Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

“I want to thank the organisers for bringing this amazing event to Greece. It’s disappointing to miss it, but it’s the right choice for my health. I’ll be back stronger.

Tsitsipas hasn’t played a tour-level match since the US Open in late summer when he exited early after a second-round defeat by Daniel Altmaier.

The Greek star then appeared in Davis Cup action against Brazil in September, picking up a win over Thiago Seyboth Wild but falling short in a crucial match against Joao Fonseca.

pic.twitter.com/HxZOmCHvYP
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@steftsitsipas) November 1, 2025

The 27-year-old also made a brief appearance at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, where Jannik Sinner knocked him out after just 76 minutes on court.

Who’s playing at the first Hellenic Championship?

Novak Djokovic will lead the field in Athens, chasing his 101st career title and heading in as the clear favourite to take home the trophy.

Lorenzo Musetti, a late addition to the draw, is hoping to revive his ATP Finals hopes after an early exit from the Paris Masters. The Italian currently holds onto eighth place in the ‘Race to Turin’, but Felix Auger-Aliassime’s strong run in Paris has closed the gap considerably.

Brandon Nakashima is another name to watch. The American is still searching for his first title since winning San Diego back in 2022.

Stan Wawrinka also received a wildcard entry and will open his campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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