Due to a back problem, Stefanos Tsitsipas had to withdraw from the tournament and depart after just three games of his Nitto ATP Finals match against Holger Rune. When Tsitsipas called the doctor during the first changeover, Rune was ahead 2-1 and he decided he could not play on. Hubert Hurkacz will take the Greek’s place in the Green Group.
Tsitsipas said during his post-match press conference: “My apologies to all the fans and the crowd that came to support me today and watch the match. I’m really gutted that I wasn’t able to finish the match. Unfortunately, I felt terrible on the court. I did what I could in the best possible way to be ready and fit for this match, but it didn’t work out for me. I hate retiring from matches. I’m not the kind of person who likes leaving mid-match. It kills me not to be able to finish this tournament, the one that I’ve prepped for so long, making sure that I’m completely fit to perform at my best and show my capacities as a player.”
Tsitsipas later posted on his Instagram and wrote: “My season has ended very differently than I’d hoped. Despite the hard work my team and I put in to get me fit for today’s match and the rest of the week, I’m gutted to have to pull out of the @nittoatpfinals. These past days of matches and training included discomfort in my back and countless conversations with my team, but I really wanted to go out and give my all on the court, which I did after receiving the green light from my medical team.”
He further wrote: “We’ve worked so hard for this tournament all year. It means so much to me. I’m committed to returning stronger in the upcoming season. A huge thank you to everyone for all their support this year.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas on his retirement to Holger Rune at ATP Finals:
“My apologies to all the fans who came today.. I’m gutted that I wasn’t able to finish. It’s a shame also not to give that spot to someone else to at least try & do something with it.”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 14, 2023
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Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2023
At the moment ranked no.6, the Greek played his last match on the 14th of November when he had to retire when playing against world no.8 Holger Rune in the round robin and the scoreline was 2-1 .
Until now, during this year the Greek has managed to achieve an overall 51-24 win-loss record. Tsitsipas conquered 1 title in Los Cabos. Tsitsipas was the runner-up at the Australian Open and Barcelona.
