🔗 Share this article

The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport because of debilitating back issues during the season.

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

Now ranked 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited lies in seeing how my training responds during actual training concerning my injury," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Can I compete in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for 48 hours. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the season's first major.

"The greatest victory next season is to not have concerns over completing bouts," he stated.

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you completed a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."