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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a early exit at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body responds during actual training with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

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

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory for 2026 would be to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."