The Greek tennis star Contemplated Retirement Amid Injury-Plagued Campaign

The tennis professional disclosed he pondered ending his career because of debilitating back issues throughout the season.

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 in New York in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under actual training with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

"I kept asking, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing five weeks of off-season preparation completely pain-free.

His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, drawn against Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.

"My main goal next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season without pain – I hope it continues. I want to deliver in 2026 and at the team championship.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will try all means to achieve that."