Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a superb comeback from injury after an impressive outing at the United Cup.
Due to a back injury, Tsitsipas had not played a competitive match since September before taking on the United Cup in Australia.
But the former ATP number three finished the tournament with a 3-0 singles record for Greece, who fell at the quarterfinal stage.
Tsitsipas beat Taylor Fritz in their singles clash, but the USA went on to win the tie 2-1 to secure a semifinal spot.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas enjoying playing ‘pain-free’ after lengthy injury layoff
Offering an update on his physical condition after his time in Perth, Tsitsipas told the ATP website: “So far everything is good.
“It’s great feedback, knowing that sort of thing, knowing that I’m not feeling any aches or pains. I’m actually very pleased that I get to enjoy tennis daily, without any discomfort and pain that might be causing me more stress in everyday life… I’m super glad I get to play the sport that I love.
“Health is the most important thing in the world. I’m really truly enjoying every single match that I get to play pain-free.
“I haven’t had that in a while, so to be able to play that way creates happiness and satisfaction, and makes me want to go back to train.
“Especially when you are dealing with so much pain and especially in the lower back, you are very discouraged pretty quick when you see yourself a few times in that same situation.
“Training doesn’t become as enjoyable anymore. To be able to do that right now is like the biggest bliss.”
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Stefanos Tsitsipas wins ‘brutal’ Taylor Fritz test at the United Cup
It’s a very welcome update from Tsitsipas, who had been enduring a torrid time of late because of his injury.
He’s made huge strides in that regard at the United Cup, where his confidence will have also received a huge boost.
Tsitsipas said of his victory over Fritz: “Pleased with the win. It was not easy getting into the match. I’ve been absent for a long time and matches like this challenge you to the fullest.
“I feel like you really get tested in the most brutal and intense ways against players that have been very consistent in the past couple of months. Taylor is one of them. I was aware entering the court that my focus levels needed to be at their highest.
“I couldn’t allow myself to disconnect at any given moment during the match, and I delivered that excellently.
“My focus levels were there. I was trying to read play, trying to read the court and see what patterns he might start building up and liking a little bit more.
“I tried to stay away from those and played my game. Very offensive tennis. I dominated from the baseline at times.
“I felt like I was pretty solid in those rally exchanges. I’m very glad about my performance. It is one of those wins that adds to my confidence.”
He beat the American 6-4, 7-5, having defeated Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki and Great Britain’s Billy Harris earlier in the week.
It has been a tough period for the 27-year-old, who has dropped to 34th in the world rankings, but his United Cup has been a big positive right before the Australian Open.
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