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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues during the season.

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 alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

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

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [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 following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece 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 in early January, just before the season's first major.

"The greatest victory for 2026 would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."