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Novak Djokovic on Tuesday announced he will not be taking part in the tune-up tournament in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open 2026. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he is pulling out of the Adelaide International as he doesn't feel he is ready yet to compete.
The Adelaide International would have served as a perfect preparatory ground for Djokovic, who will be eyeing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year. The most successful male player in tennis history, Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record ten times and will be gunning for an 11th title in Melbourne.
"To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately I'm not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week," Djokovic wrote on social media, confirming his decision to pull out of the Adelaide International.
"It's personally very disappointing to me, as I have such great memories of winning the title there two years ago. I was really excited about returning as it truly felt like playing at home," he added.
Despite questions over his form and fitness, Djokovic continues to go strong at 38 and has not given up on his dream of winning his 25th Grand Slam title, which would help him go past Australian legend Margaret Court (24) to become the most successful player across men's and women's tennis.
However, with growing age and consistent injury issues, Djokovic has found it difficult to keep up with the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have dominated men's tennis in the last couple of years, sharing all eight Grand Slam titles between them in the last two years.
Djokovic's experience and his tremendous record at the Australian Open will always give him an edge over others in the tournament Down Under, however, many feel the 38-year-old is underprepared, having not played a tour match for nearly two months now.
Djokovic's last official match came against Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the Hellenic Championship in Athens in November last year. He later pulled out of the ATP finals due to a shoulder injury. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will be making his comeback directly at the Australian Open 2026 and will be hoping for a strong start in the tournament.
Djokovic last won the Australian Open title in 2023. He made it to the semi-finals of the tournament in the last two seasons, but failed to go the distance. Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year and ended the year as the world no.4. He will be hoping to start 2026 on a strong note at the Australian Open 2026.
