Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Adelaide International, opting to begin his 2026 season directly at the Australian Open as he continues preparations for another historic Grand Slam campaign. The 38-year-old Serbian said he is “not quite physically ready” to compete in the ATP 250 event, which was scheduled to run from January 12–17.
Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Adelaide International
The decision brings disappointment for fans in Adelaide, where Djokovic has enjoyed notable success and strong local support. In a message shared on social media, the world No. 4 admitted the withdrawal was a difficult call, recalling fond memories of lifting the trophy there two years ago and describing the tournament as one that feels like “playing at home.”
Despite the setback, Djokovic stressed that his priority is being fully prepared for the Australian Open, which begins on January 18 in Melbourne. The season’s first Grand Slam holds special significance for the 24-time major champion, who has won a record 10 Australian Open titles and will again chase an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles crown.
Djokovic has not played a tour-level match since early November, when he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in a final in Athens. In recent years, the Serb has rationed his schedule with full fucus on grand slam tournaments.
While he remains one of the most consistent performers on tour, Djokovic has not added to his Grand Slam tally since winning the US Open in 2023. In 2025, he reached the semi-finals at all four majors but was unable to progress further, as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz continued to assert control over the men’s game. Djokovic also fell in the Australian Open semi-finals in each of the past two editions, losing to Sinner in 2024 and Alexander Zverev in 2025.
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His withdrawal from Adelaide follows another significant development off the court. Earlier this week, Djokovic announced he had stepped away from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the organization he co-founded, citing concerns over transparency, governance, and how his voice and image were being represented.
For now, Djokovic’s attention remains firmly on Melbourne. He is expected to arrive in Australia in the coming days to complete his preparations, determined to make another deep run at a tournament where he has enjoyed unparalleled success- and to remind the tennis world that he remains a formidable force at the sport’s biggest stages.
