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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues during the 2025 tennis year.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under actual training concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."

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

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."

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

His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney in early January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal next season would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to where I was. I will try all means to make it happen."