Djokovic’s Neck Injury Raises Doubts Ahead of Australian Open
Melbourne, 15 January 2026 – Novak Djokovic has raised fresh concerns about his readiness for the Australian Open after abruptly ending a practice session due to a neck issue, just four days before the first major tournament of 2026 begins.
Injury Scare During Practice
The 38-year-old Serbian star cut short his training on Wednesday after only 12 minutes, struggling with his serve and receiving treatment from his physiotherapist, Miljan Amanovic. This followed a low-intensity practice set against Daniil Medvedev on Rod Laver Arena, where he dropped a 7-5 set. Djokovic has not played a competitive match since winning the Hellenic Championship in Greece on 8 November 2025, after withdrawing from the Adelaide International due to feeling physically unprepared.
Earlier in the day, he trained with Jiri Lehecka, appearing short on match sharpness. Despite easing concerns with the Medvedev session, the neck problem has reignited doubts about his ability to endure the fortnight-long Slam. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash suggested Djokovic may need some luck with early exits from top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to secure an 11th Melbourne title and a record 25th Grand Slam.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age and Ranking | 38 years old, World No. 4 |
| Career Grand Slams | 24 titles, aiming for 25th |
| Australian Open Record | 10 wins, 20 appearances |
| Last Competitive Match | 8 November 2025 (Hellenic Championship) |
| 2025 Slam Results | Semi-finals at all four majors, losing to Alcaraz (US Open), Sinner (French Open, Wimbledon) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Djokovic play in the Australian Open?
Djokovic is scheduled for an exhibition match against Frances Tiafoe on Thursday at 5 pm local time, and organisers expect him to compete, but his neck injury remains a concern.
What are his chances of winning a 25th Grand Slam?
Experts like Pat Cash believe he needs early exits from Alcaraz and Sinner, as consecutive five-set matches against them could be challenging at his age.
How has his fitness been this season?
Djokovic withdrew from Adelaide citing lack of readiness and has focused on training in Melbourne, but the recent neck issue highlights ongoing physical challenges.