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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of severe back issues throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure in New York this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body responds during regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past half a year or more."

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

"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

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 for Greece 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, the week preceding the season's first major.

"The greatest victory for 2026 would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed an off-season without pain – I hope it continues. 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 my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."