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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe back issues 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 in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a early exit at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my body holds up under actual training with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned 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 in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season is to stop worrying about finishing matches," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."