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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career because of severe back issues during 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 after a limited schedule post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."