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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe spinal pain throughout the season.

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 and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney 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 is incredibly encouraging realizing you had a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."