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The tennis professional disclosed he thought about quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues during the 2025 tennis year.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure in New York this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.

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

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "over the last 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 was unable to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the season's first major.

"My main goal for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."