Stefanos Tsitsipas has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Croatia Open, set to take place in Umag, which is notably the hometown tournament of his coach, Goran Ivanisevic. His exit from the ATP 250 event follows a troubling week after Tsitsipas made headlines with his candid remarks regarding his physical struggles and future in tennis.
The Greek star had initially confirmed his participation in the clay-court event planned for July 20-26, just one week after the conclusion of Wimbledon. However, a recent exacerbation of a chronic back issue has forced him to step back from competition. This recurring injury has been a persistent challenge for Tsitsipas over the past few seasons, and the latest occurrence was triggered during his first-round match at Wimbledon against Valentin Royer, where he had to withdraw due to severe pain.
Following his withdrawal from Wimbledon, an emotional Tsitsipas opened up about the impact of the back injury, which he attributes to difficulties in executing his shots and maintaining proper rotation on the court. In a surprising revelation, the 26-year-old hinted at the possibility of retirement if he cannot find improvement in the coming year. This statement underscores the seriousness of his situation, revealing the mental and physical toll that his ongoing condition has taken.
Speculation arose surrounding his withdrawal amid rumors of tensions between Tsitsipas and Ivanisevic, especially after the coach made some scathing comments regarding Tsitsipas’ commitment and physical condition. Ivanisevic criticized Tsitsipas for not showing sufficient dedication in his training, controversially asserting that he, despite being 53 years old and dealing with a knee issue, maintains a better physical state than the young Greek.
Such public critiques can complicate the dynamics of any player-coach relationship, and it may prove difficult for them to cultivate a solid partnership moving forward after such back-and-forth.
Adding to the challenges Tsitsipas faces, recent reports suggest that his personal life has been tumultuous as well. He and fellow tennis player Paula Badosa have reportedly ended their two-year relationship for a second time, after previously reconciling in 2024. Their struggles with injuries and personal challenges seem to have contributed to the strain between them.
In a broader context, Tsitsipas is not alone; fellow competitor Alexander Zverev has also announced his withdrawal from the 2025 Swiss Open in Gstaad for personal reasons, following his own disappointing early exit at Wimbledon against Arthur Rinderknech. Zverev, too, expressed a willingness to seek professional help to address mental health struggles, reflecting how tough the season has been for several players.
As these athletes navigate both physical injuries and personal challenges, the upcoming tournaments will provide an opportunity for recovery, reflection, and a return to the sport that defines their lives. For Tsitsipas, the forthcoming year will be critical in determining his future in professional tennis.
