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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport because of severe spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "over the last six to eight months."

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

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering the path ahead."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece at the team event, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging realizing you had an off-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."