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Djokovic Withdraws From Adelaide to Prioritize Australian Open

The withdrawal leaves him without an official tune-up before the Melbourne major that starts Jan. 18.

Overview

  • Novak Djokovic announced he is "not quite physically ready to compete," pulling out of next week's Adelaide International.
  • The event was slated to be his first start of 2026, so he will head into best-of-five play in Melbourne without match practice.
  • Djokovic said his focus now is on preparing for the Australian Open and that he expects to arrive in Melbourne soon.
  • The 38-year-old world No. 4 is coming off a 2025 season with semifinals at all four Slams, including a retirement due to injury in the Australian Open last four against Alexander Zverev.
  • His offseason included work with performance specialist Dr. Mark Kovacs and a decision to step away from the PTPA he co-founded.