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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career due to severe spinal pain 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 at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

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

"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish an encounter," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete another contest without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss 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 being content with his current recovery plan after finishing five weeks of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to make it happen."