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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he pondered ending his career due to debilitating back issues throughout the season.

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 and the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure in New York in August, Tsitsipas indicated that ongoing treatment is finally showing positive results.

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

"My primary worry was whether I was able to finish a match," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last half a year or more."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match pain-free?'"

"I became truly frightened after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for 48 hours. That is the moment start reconsidering your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned being content with his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held in Perth and Sydney from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the Australian Open.

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

"It provides fantastic feedback to know you had an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the United Cup.

"The effort is invested. The crucial element is total belief that I can return to where I was. I will try all means to achieve that."