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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career because of debilitating back issues throughout the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body holds up under actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play another contest without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."