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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career due to severe spinal pain throughout the 2025 tennis year.

At 27 years old, the player once ranked as high as third globally, finished as runner-up to Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition post a early exit at the US Open this past summer, he stated continuous medical care is finally showing encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my body responds during regular practice concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"My primary worry centered on if I was able to finish an encounter," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "for the past half a year or more."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"

"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

His next appearance with the Greek team in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the British team captained by Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

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

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed a pre-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to make it happen."