The Greek player has slipped down to 36th in the world rankings after being plagued by back pain and admits that he contemplated giving up on the sport for good because of the issue.

Tsitsipas told reporters: "There were phases during the year when I was wondering: 'Why am I doing this and why am I putting myself in so much pain?'

"Pain is not a pleasant thing when you're an athlete, and especially when it comes back and keeps coming back. It's one of those things that in the end, for me, it's far more important to be happy and pain-free than to struggle with pain in the sport I love.

"I'd rather, you know, put an end to it if it ends up going in that direction than suffer all the time.... I just want to be happy with the way I'm living my life, and if I can't fight one day, I guess I'll have to give it up."

The two-time Grand Slam finalist admits that his back injuries made him doubtful that he would be able to finish matches.

Tsitsipas said: "My biggest concern was, can I actually complete a match? That was what was going through my mind for the last six to eight months. I've been thinking constantly: If I win a match, can I come back the next day and play another match without pain?

"And, I was really scared after my loss at the US Open to Daniel Altmeyer, with my back, because I just couldn't walk for two days. And when things like that happen, you know, you start to rethink your career future."

Tsitsipas will begin 2026 by representing Greece at the United Cup in Australia and is looking to start afresh this year.

He said: "My biggest win for 2026 would be to not have to worry about finishing matches.

"It makes great feedback knowing you had a pre-season without pain - I hope it stays that way. I want to deliver for 2026 and the United Cup.

"I put in the work. The most important thing is full belief that I can come back to where I was. I will try everything to do that."