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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career because of debilitating back issues during the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

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

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play another contest pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you start reconsidering the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, 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, just before the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you had a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."