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

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, 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 second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body responds during actual training with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."

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

"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 is the moment 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 competition takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – 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 complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."