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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport because of 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 to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his early exit at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

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

"My primary worry was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

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

"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.

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