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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career due to severe back issues 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 alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body holds up under actual training with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.

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 tournament will be held 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 is incredibly encouraging realizing you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.

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