Setback for Djokovic: 38-Yr-Previous Star Withdraws from Adelaide Worldwide 2026 Citing Bodily Readiness Issues Forward of Australian Open
Novak Djokovic withdrawal from the Adelaide Worldwide 2026 shocks followers because the 24-time Grand Slam champion publicizes he’s not bodily prepared, shifting focus to Australian Open preparation amid lingering shoulder harm points and questions over his bid for an eleventh Melbourne title.
The tennis world acquired surprising information on January 5, 2026, when Novak Djokovic, the world No. 4 and a two-time Adelaide champion, pulled out of the ATP 250 occasion scheduled to start subsequent week.
In a heartfelt Instagram put up, the Serbian legend expressed disappointment: “To all my followers in Adelaide, sadly I’m not fairly bodily able to compete within the Adelaide Worldwide subsequent week. It’s personally very disappointing to me as I’ve such nice reminiscences of profitable the title there two years in the past.”
Djokovic, who lifted the trophy in Adelaide in 2007 and most lately in 2023 en path to his tenth Australian Open crown, emphasised his pleasure about returning however prioritized well being. He added, “My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look ahead to arriving in Melbourne quickly.”
The withdrawal stems from ongoing restoration from a shoulder harm that compelled him to skip the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals in November after profitable a title in Athens. Sources point out the problem persevered from late 2025, with Djokovic choosing warning at age 38 to keep away from risking his Grand Slam marketing campaign.
 "Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Australian Open Lead-Up Event At Adelaide International 6")
This implies the 10-time Australian Open winner will enter the yr’s first main—beginning January 18—with none official warm-up matches, a uncommon prevalence for the hard-court specialist who thrives in Melbourne.
Specialists notice that whereas Djokovic reached all 4 Grand Slam semifinals in 2025—an Open-era file for the oldest participant to take action—managing bodily load is essential in his profession twilight. Analysts reward the conservative method, suggesting it might protect him for best-of-five-set battles towards high seeds like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev.
Public reactions present concern blended with understanding, with followers on social media hoping for a full restoration whereas highlighting his unmatched Melbourne legacy. Match organizers expressed remorse however confirmed Tommy Paul as the brand new high seed following extra withdrawals.
For world tennis fanatics, notably within the U.S. and Australia, this improvement heightens anticipation for the Australian Open, the place Djokovic chases a record-extending twenty fifth main and eleventh title Down Beneath. It additionally underscores broader discussions on participant longevity, harm administration in an intense calendar, and the evolving dynamics of males’s tennis.
Djokovic’s choice displays strategic prioritization in a season the place he goals to reclaim Slam dominance.
Novak Djokovic withdrawal from Adelaide Worldwide 2026, citing not bodily prepared amid shoulder harm restoration, intensifies give attention to Australian Open preparation because the legend targets one other historic run in Melbourne.
By Sam Michael
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