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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe spinal pain during 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 at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a early exit at the US Open in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training responds during actual training concerning my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"It was genuinely scary 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."

He also reported being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to where I was. I will attempt everything to make it happen."