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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under regular practice with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.

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

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

"I have done the work. The most important thing is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."