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Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he thought about quitting the sport because of severe back issues during the season.

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

Now ranked as the world's 36th best player following minimal competition since his second-round departure at the US Open this past summer, he stated that ongoing treatment has begun yielding positive results.

"My greatest anticipation is to observe how my training holds up under regular practice concerning my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete a match," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "over the last half a year or more."

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

"It was genuinely scary after the defeat in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I was unable to walk for two days. That's when you start reconsidering the path ahead."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen following the completion of five weeks of pre-season training completely pain-free.

He is scheduled to compete for Greece in the United Cup, where they face Naomi Osaka's Japan and the Great Britain squad captained by Raducanu. The tournament 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 provides fantastic feedback realizing you completed 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 complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."