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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a early exit in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match 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 is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."

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

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.

"The greatest victory next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed an off-season without pain – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.

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