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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe back issues during the season.

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

Currently placed as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open in August, he stated continuous medical care has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my training responds during actual training concerning my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play another contest 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 start reconsidering the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, just before the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season would be to not have concerns about finishing matches," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had 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 most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to make it happen."