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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe spinal pain throughout the season.

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

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "over the last 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 was unable to walk for 48 hours. That's when you start reconsidering your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

"The greatest victory next season would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."