Novak Djokovic‘s Australian Open preparations have been dealt a blow, with the 24-time grand slam champion withdrawing from next week’s Adelaide International after admitting he’s “not quite physically ready to compete”. The Serb made the announcement on social media just a day after revealing he was stepping down from the professional tennis players’ union he co-founded in 2020 due to “concerns regarding transparency and governance” within the organisation.
The news has saddened fans around the tennis world, with organisers of the Adelaide International confirming their biggest drawcard wouldn’t be taking part. Djokovic has fond memories of Adelaide after winning the ATP 250 trophy there in 2007 and 2023, with the event serving as a key Australian Open warm-up event for many of the world’s top players.
Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open preparations have suffered a setback after he decided to withdraw from the Adelaide International lead-in event. Pic: Getty
But the 38-year-old will now head to Melbourne Park without any traditional tune-up matches under his belt. And it’s left many fans worried about what it means for his chances of winning a record-breaking 25th career major and 11th Australian Open title.
Djokovic is the undisputed king of Melbourne Park after winning 10 of his 24 majors at the venue, but has been defeated at the semi-final stage on his past two visits. The tennis legend has scaled back his competitive tennis in recent years to try and remain as fresh as possible for the grand slams, but said he wanted to play in Adelaide before confirming his withdrawal to fans.
Novak Djokovic withdraws from Adelaide International
“I was really excited about returning as it truly felt like playing at home,” he wrote on Instagram. “My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon.”
Now ranked World No.4, Djokovic’s last grand slam triumph came at the 2023 US Open, moving him equal with Aussie legend Margaret Court with a record 24 majors. While the 25th major has so far proved elusive, Djokovic has come close after reaching the semi-finals at all four grand slams last year.
Novak Djokovic was forced to retire with injury in the 2025 Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev. Pic: Getty
The 38-year-old retired with injury from his last-four meeting against Alexander Zverev at Melbourne Park in 2025. And he lost in the last-four to Jannik Sinner at both the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.
Djokovic’s impressive 2025 also saw him surpass an incredible milestone, with two ATP Tour titles taking his career tally to 101. He trails only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) on the all-time list. Djokovic now has just under two weeks to get into the right physical shape for the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.
with agencies