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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe spinal pain throughout the season.

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 alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body responds during regular practice concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I kept asking, '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 walk for two days. That's when you 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 without any pain.

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

"The greatest victory next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had an off-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."