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

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition since his early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I was able to finish an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last six to eight months."

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

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for 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 try all means to make it happen."