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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport due to severe back issues during the 2025 tennis year.

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 and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit at the US Open in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body responds during regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal for 2026 would be to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had an off-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. 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."