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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about ending his career because of debilitating spinal pain during the season.

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

Currently placed 36th in the world after a limited schedule post a second-round departure at the US Open in August, Tsitsipas indicated continuous medical care is finally showing positive results.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my body responds during actual training with regard to my back," commented Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete a match," he added, explaining the pain plagued him "over the last six to eight months."

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

"It was genuinely scary following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to move for two days. That's when you begin to question the path ahead."

He also reported being content with his current recovery plan after finishing an extended period of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, drawn against Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team captained by Raducanu. The competition takes place across Australian cities from 2 to 11 January, the week preceding the season's first major.

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

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed an off-season in good health – I hope it continues. I want to deliver during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

"I have done the work. The crucial element is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."