Stefanos Tsitsipas’ start to the new year has suffered a minor setback after he was forced to withdraw from his singles match at the ATP Cup due to an ongoing elbow issue.
The world No.4 was due to play Hubert Hurkacz during Greece’s tie with Poland on the first day of the team competition. However, tournament organisers issued a statement confirming that the French Open finalist has pulled out as a ‘precautionary measure.’ Tsitsipas stated that the latest decision shouldn’t affect his participation in the upcoming Australian Open which will begin in just over two weeks’ time.
“The recovery from my elbow surgery in November is on track for Melbourne and today was a precautionary step to make sure I make Melbourne,” Tsitsipas said. “We will see day by day, match by match until then.”
Despite not playing his singles match, Tsitsipas returned to the court later in the day to team up with Michail Pervolarakis in the doubles rubber. He played the match without any support around his elbow and appeared to be free of pain. His return helped Greece secure a much needed win as they defeated Hurkacz and Jan Zieliński 6-4, 5-7, 10-8.
Following his triumph in the doubles, Tsitsipas admitted that his recovery from surgery is delaying his progress on the court. He underwent surgery on his right elbow less than two months ago after suffering discomfort. The issue forced him to pull out of last November’s ATP Finals following his opening loss in the round-robin event.
“Surgery is a serious thing,” he said during his on-court interview. “I’m really disappointed that I couldn’t play and represent my country in the singles. It was what it was, you know, I haven’t been feeling one hundred percent yet.’
“It (my elbow) has been keeping me behind a little bit and I’m trying to give it a bit more time and some air to breathe before I start the season again.’
“The ATP Cup means a lot to me. I really wanted to play today but my team was here to back me up and I’m thankful that I was able to play in the doubles.” He added.
As for his future participation in the ATP Cup, Tsitsipas confirmed that it is still touch and go if he will be playing singles. Greece’s next tie is with Argentina who is headed by Diego Schwartzman. The player Tsitsipas will have to play on Monday if he is fit enough to do so.
“Right now recovery is the most important thing.” He states.
“I’m going to give it one more day and see how I feel. I’d love to see myself playing a singles match and get a point for Greece if possible.”
Greece’s win in the doubles came too late as they had already lost their tie against Poland. Earlier in the day, Kamil Majchrzak defeated Michail Pervolarakis 6-1, 6-4, in the opening match. Then Hurkacz eased his way to a 6-1, 6-2, win over Aristotelis Thanos, who came in as a late replacement for Tsitsipas.
