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The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and 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, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry 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 kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

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

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

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."