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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues during the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body responds during actual training with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

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

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."