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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under actual training with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

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

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed 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 crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."