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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career due to debilitating back issues 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 and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

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

"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury 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 following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had an off-season without pain – 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 my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."