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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe back issues during the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit in New York in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal next season is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had a pre-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is complete faith in my ability to get back to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."