We are now only one tournament away from wishing a final goodbye to the most tiresome year in tennis history. Coincidentally, the O2 Arena in London will also bid adieu to the ATP Finals – the year-end finale of the tennis tour. After hosting 11 memorable editions, the last call will take place without the presence of the fans. In this competition, the defending champion of the event, Stefanos Tsitsipas will aim to retain his biggest title. Although he raised concerns regarding his leg injury, the Greek player holds a positive front before his first match.

Tsitsipas defeated Austria’s Dominic Thiem in a neck-to-neck third set in the London finals last year. This year, the 22-year-old Stefanos will meet the World No. 3 again in his first match. He reasons that his leg swelling has prevented him from performing well in recent tournaments.

“Struggling with it since Rome”: Stefanos Tsitsipas about his leg injury

Starting at the Italian Open this year, Tsitsipas’ leg injury continued to be a problem for him. Even then, he made it to the semi-finals in the French Open and lost a hard-fought battle against Novak Djokovic.

Injuries are a serious deal when it comes to retaining a successful career. Decisions regarding injuries have played a major role in defining many careers; however, Stefanos carried on. The highest ranked Greek player opening up about his injury was expected news.

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“I was struggling with it for a long time now, since Rome,” he explained.

“I was playing with that injury and I was not quite sure if it’s the right thing to do to keep playing. But, I proved that the mind can do anything if you set a goal and you want to pursue it.”

WATCH: Stefanos Tsitsipas Strengthens His Fitness Levels Ahead of Title Defense at ATP Finals 2020

Stefanos Has ‘Positive Feedback’ From His Paris Rehabilitation

His early departure from Paris Masters gave Tsitsipas ample time to address the problem. This time spent recovering will play a crucial role for the World no. 6 in the coming tournament.

“I stayed [in Paris] for a week to have treatments and the right rehabilitation for my injury,” the player disclosed. Fortunately, the results were a big thumbs up for him.

He continued, “I’m very close to 100 percent. I’m happy that I’m able to move more freely and less conscious of my pain, so it’s positive feedback and a positive thing to have.”

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas is drawn with Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Andrey Rublev for the London finale. Will his rehabilitation in Paris allow him to defend his title as the reigning ATP Finals’ champion? Or will he continue his disappointing run until the end of the year?

Also Read: Dominic Thiem vs Stefanos Tsitsipas ATP Finals 2020: Preview, Head-to-head and Prediction