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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career due to debilitating back issues during the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a early exit 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 training holds up under actual training concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training 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 Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"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 make it happen."