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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my training responds during regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."