PERTH – Stefanos Tsitsipas said on Jan 1 he seriously considered retiring from tennis in the depths of a struggle with serious back pain during much of the 2025 season.

But the former world No. 3, now ranked 36th after playing just two Davis Cup matches since a second-round exit at the US Open, said his ongoing medical treatment appeared to be paying dividends.

“I’m most excited to see how my actual training responds with regard to my back,” the 27-year-old said, as he prepared to open his 2026 campaign for Greece at the mixed-team United Cup in Perth, Australia.