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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe spinal pain during the season.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, was a finalist to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my body responds during actual training with regard to my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish a match," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.

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

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the team championship.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."