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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered 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 against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body responds during actual training concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"It was genuinely scary following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."

He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had a pre-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."