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The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of severe spinal pain during the season.

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

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."