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The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career 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, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training responds during actual training 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 "over the last half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.

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

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

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