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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career because of debilitating back issues during the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

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

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to make it happen."