Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Adelaide: Injury Doubts Cloud Historic Australian Open Bid
The Australian summer of tennis has been dealt a major blow just days out from its commencement. Novak Djokovic, the ten-time champion and king of Melbourne Park, has withdrawn from the Adelaide International, casting a shadow over his quest for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. The 38-year-old Serb confirmed the news via Instagram, stating he is “not quite physically ready to compete,” sending shockwaves through the sport and leaving fans wondering if the champion can recover in time.
This late withdrawal from his only scheduled warm-up event is a stark reminder of the brutal physical toll of a 23-year professional career. Coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season that saw him retire from the Australian Open semi-finals, Djokovic is now in a race against time to be fit for the year’s first major. The decision puts his entire Australian summer campaign under a microscope, raising urgent questions about his fitness, form, and ability to challenge the new generation.
The Adelaide Withdrawal: What We Know
Djokovic’s announcement was direct and pointed to a clear physical concern. “To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week,” he wrote. He emphasised that his focus is now squarely on preparation for the Australian Open, expressing hope to arrive in Melbourne soon. Sources indicate the withdrawal is linked to insufficient recovery from an injury sustained in the closing stages of the 2025 season, with some reports specifying a hamstring tear suffered just weeks ago.
“My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon and seeing all the tennis fans in Australia.” – Novak Djokovic via Instagram.
A Body in Rebuild: Djokovic’s Physical Battle
At 38, Djokovic is engaged in an intense, public battle with his own physiology. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, he openly discussed “reconstructing and rebuilding” his body during the off-season, referring to it as “my machine” in racing terminology. This admission highlights the extraordinary effort required to compete at the highest level deep into his thirties. The timeline is concerning; a typical hamstring tear requires 6-8 weeks for repair, and his withdrawal suggests the recovery is not yet complete, despite earlier optimistic reports of being “almost fully healed.”
The Shadow of 2025 and the “Decline” Debate
The spectre of his 2025 Australian Open retirement against Alexander Zverev looms large. That mid-match exit was a symbolic moment, prompting analysis about whether the great champion’s physical edge is waning. Statistical reviews of his 2024 season had already begun questioning a potential decline. A comparison of key service metrics from 2023 to 2024 shows subtle shifts:
| Statistical Category | 2023 Season | 2024 Season |
|---|---|---|
| First Serve Percentage | 64.8% | 64.0% |
| First Serve Points Won | 74.1% | 77.1% |
| Second Serve Points Won | 55.5% | 57.3% |
| Service Games Won | 86.1% | 86.1% |
While some areas improved, the data indicates a player meticulously managing his game. The more telling story came at Wimbledon 2024, where Carlos Alcaraz dominated him in a straight-sets final, crushing Djokovic’s baseline points won percentage from a season average of 50% down to just 41% for that match. These are the challenges Djokovic now faces: maintaining peak physical condition to execute his legendary game against younger, powerful rivals.
The Road to Melbourne: A Tight Schedule
With the Adelaide International off the calendar, Djokovic’s path to the Australian Open starting January 19 is now incredibly narrow. He will have less than two weeks of on-court preparation, likely consisting of private practice sessions, before diving into best-of-five-set matches at Melbourne Park. The schedule pressure is immense.
| Date | Event | Djokovic’s Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 12, 2026 | Adelaide International | Withdrawn |
| Jan 19, 2026 | Australian Open Begins | Expected to Compete |
Voices from the Tour: Kyrgios’s Plea
The news resonated strongly within the player ranks. Australian star Nick Kyrgios, himself returning from a long injury layoff in Brisbane, issued a heartfelt plea regarding Djokovic’s longevity. “I just hope he can stay as long as possible,” Kyrgios said, urging the tennis world to appreciate the Serbian great while he’s still playing. This sentiment underscores Djokovic’s unique position in the sport—a living legend whose every appearance is now treated with a sense of precious urgency by peers and fans alike.
What This Means for the Australian Open 2026
Djokovic’s withdrawal instantly reshapes the tournament landscape. It introduces a massive element of uncertainty at the top of the men’s draw. While he remains the betting favourite when fit, his lack of match practice and lingering fitness questions will embolden contenders like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and the man he retired to last year, Alexander Zverev. The quest for the historic 25th major, a milestone that has driven Djokovic for over a year, now faces its most significant hurdle yet before a single ball has been struck in anger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Novak Djokovic withdraw from the Adelaide International?
Novak Djokovic withdrew because he did not feel “physically ready to compete.” He cited insufficient recovery from an injury carried over from the end of the 2025 season, with reports indicating a hamstring issue, as the primary reason.
Is Novak Djokovic still playing the 2026 Australian Open?
As of now, yes. Djokovic has stated his focus is on preparing for the Australian Open and he intends to travel to Melbourne. His participation will ultimately depend on his physical readiness when the tournament begins on January 19.
How many Australian Opens has Novak Djokovic won?
Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record 10 times (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023). He is aiming for an 11th title in 2026, which would extend his own record.
What is the significance of Djokovic winning a 25th Grand Slam?
Winning a 25th Grand Slam singles title would break the all-time record for most majors won by a male tennis player, which Djokovic currently holds at 24. It is a historic milestone he has been pursuing since winning his 24th at the 2023 US Open.