🔗 Share this article

Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport due to debilitating back issues during the season.

The 27-year-old, who has reached a career-high ranking of world number three, finished as runner-up against Novak Djokovic at both the 2021 French Open alongside the 2023 Australian Open.

Currently placed 36th in the world following minimal competition post a second-round departure in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.

"I'm most excited is to observe how my body responds during regular practice with regard to my injury," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear centered on if I could complete an encounter," he added, noting the injury plagued him "for the past six to eight months."

"I would wonder, 'Am I able to play in another match without discomfort?'"

"It was genuinely scary following the loss at the US Open [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to walk for two days. That's when you start reconsidering the path ahead."

He also reported satisfaction regarding his current recovery plan following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training without any pain.

His next appearance for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad led by Emma Raducanu. The tournament will be held across Australian cities in early January, just before the Australian Open.

"My main goal next season is to stop worrying over completing bouts," he stated.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you had a pre-season in good health – I hope it continues. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

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