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The tennis professional disclosed he thought about ending his career due to severe back issues throughout 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 alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body responds during regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I was able to finish a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past half a year or more."

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

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with the present treatment regimen after finishing an extended period of pre-season training without any pain.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

"The greatest victory for 2026 would be to stop worrying over completing bouts," he expressed.

"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 most important thing is total belief in my ability to get back to where I was. I will attempt everything to achieve that."