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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under actual training concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, noting the injury had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"I became truly frightened following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory next season is to not have concerns about finishing matches," he expressed.

"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.

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