Stefanos Tsitsipas was the 26th seed at last year's US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career because of debilitating spinal pain throughout the season.
At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.
Now ranked as the world's 36th best player after a limited schedule since his early exit in New York in August, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.
"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my body holds up under actual training concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.
"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past half a year or more."
"I kept asking, 'Can I compete another contest pain-free?'"
"I became truly frightened after the defeat at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That is the moment begin to question the path ahead."
Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen following the completion of an extended period of pre-season training completely pain-free.
His next appearance for Greece at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities in early January, the week preceding the season's first major.
"The greatest victory for 2026 is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.
"It provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform in 2026 and at the United Cup.
"The effort is invested. The most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."
