Stefanos Tsitsipas has given contradictory remarks regarding his injury status following a loss to Diego Schwartzman in the ATP Cup on Monday.
The world No. 4 played for nearly three hours before falling to the Argentine in three sets.
The result sent Team Greece packing from the competition, following a loss to Poland on Saturday.
Tsitsipas withdrew from the singles in his country's tie with Poland due to an ongoing elbow injury, before returning the play in the decisive doubles match.
The 23-year-old had surgery on his elbow in November of last year and has been slowly building back to full match fitness and confidence.
Speaking immediately after his loss to Schwartzman, he admitted that he is not entirely sure if he will be able to contest the Australian Open in two weeks.
"I don't know what my future plans are for this tournament [the Australia Open] ... I'm not really sure," Tsitsipas said
“I really don‘t know how I’m going to feel tomorrow.
“That was one of the biggest concerns if I was going to play this match today, how the recovery is going to be tomorrow.
“I finished the doubles (on Saturday), next day I couldn’t serve.
"I was unable ... I was in a lot of pain.”
However, Tsitsipas had conflicting quotes on the official ATP Cup website, signaling that he is confident he will be ready for the first Grand Slam of 2022.
"It was good to see myself perform at such a level," he said.
"I didn't expect it.
"It worked out better than I thought.
"I was able to hit balls that I was scared to hit two weeks ago, so I'm heading towards the right direction.
"It gets better and better every single day almost.
"We have plenty of time before the Australian Open begins, and I think if I take the right precautions and follow what my doctor says, then I can see myself performing at 100 per cent at the Australian Open."
The Greek star reached the semi-final of the Australian Open in 2021 and is favoured to have a strong campaign this year with contenders like Roger Feder and Dominic Thiem withdrawn, and the status of reigning champion Novak Djokovic still unknown.
There was plenty of other action at the ATP Cup on Monday, with Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut getting the better of No. 8 ranked Casper Ruud to help his country beat Norway in their tie.
Day 3️⃣ was 🔥#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/ggN0opW1hQ
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 3, 2022
Poland beat Georgia, whilst Chile won against Serbia.
The four group winners from the 16-team tournament will advance to the semi-finals on Friday and Saturday, a final to be held on Sunday.
