The 2023 Australian Open finalist, who is still short of full fitness due to a back injury, did not play singles against Nicolas Jarry in Greece's opening tie against Chile Tuesday, but did team with Maria Sakkari in a tight three-set mixed loss.
“I'm much better than what I was a month ago. I wasn't 100 per cent sure that I will have the chance to play the United Cup. It didn't really cross my mind when I was considering my comeback," said Tsitsipas, who begins the season at No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
“I went through tough times at the end of the year. Things weren't looking very good. Today I was feeling great. There was just one moment during the match that I felt something. But I think I shouldn't be concerned about it too much. It's not a major issue that I'm facing."
Asked about his playing prospects Wednesday for singles or mixed, he said, “There are big chances I might do both".
Despite Tuesday's defeat, Greece remains in contention to reach the quarter-finals. On Wednesday it will play Canada, which fielded Steven Diez instead of Felix Auger-Aliassime (knee) in its first match. The 2019 Nitto ATP Finals champion leads Felix 6-3 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. He has never played Diez.
Pameeeeee 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷@steftsitsipas | @mariasakkari | @UnitedCupTennis | #UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/34r5npfBmz
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 2, 2024
