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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career due to 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 in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

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

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play another contest 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 is the moment begin to question your career's future."

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, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal for 2026 is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."