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The tennis professional disclosed he pondered quitting the sport due to severe back issues throughout the season.

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

Now ranked 36th in the world following minimal competition since his second-round departure in New York in August, he stated that ongoing treatment is finally showing encouraging progress.

"My greatest anticipation lies in seeing how my body holds up under actual training with regard to my back," said Tsitsipas.

"The biggest fear was whether I could complete an encounter," the athlete continued, explaining the pain had troubled him "for the past six to eight months."

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

"I became truly frightened following the loss in Flushing Meadows [to Germany's Daniel Altmaier]. I could not to move for two days. That is the moment begin to question your career's future."

Tsitsipas further mentioned satisfaction regarding the present treatment regimen after finishing five weeks of off-season preparation without any pain.

His next appearance with the Greek team at the team event, where they face Team Japan led by Osaka and the British team led by Emma Raducanu. The competition will be held across Australian cities 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 expressed.

"It is incredibly encouraging to know you completed an off-season in good health – I wish for it to last. I aim to perform during the upcoming season and for the team championship.

"The effort is invested. The most important thing is complete faith that I can return to my previous level. I will attempt everything to achieve that."