Novak Djokovic‘s buildup to the 2026 Australian Open has taken on an unexpectedly candid tone this week as the 38-year-old Serbian addressed concerns about his fitness and injury status ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam.
After withdrawing from the Adelaide International because he wasn’t ready to compete, Djokovic offered a fresh update on where his body stands, and what it might mean for his campaign in Melbourne.
Djokovic‘s preparation has been more cautious than in years past. Having concluded his 2025 season in November, the 24-time Grand Slam champion dedicated the offseason to rebuilding and recovery, acknowledging that at this stage of his career, his body doesn’t bounce back with the same ease it once did.
As he explained in a recent preseason press conference, it takes his body “more time to rebuild, and it also takes more time to reset or recover.”
That commitment to long-term fitness was on display early in the new year when Djokovic decided not to play his scheduled Adelaide opener.
On his Instagram story at the time, the tennis champion wrote:
“To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately, I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week… 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.”
Despite that setback, Djokovic was clear that he feels “good” overall and is looking forward to his run at Melbourne Park, where he has claimed a record 10 titles.
He framed the Adelaide withdrawal not as a sign of deeper trouble but as a measure to safeguard his body for the weeks ahead.
His decision to manage his schedule carefully resonates against a backdrop of fierce competition.
Players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the men’s game in recent years, claiming multiple majors and setting a new benchmark for consistency. Djokovic himself acknowledged that those rivals are “playing on a different level right now.”
But he also stressed his belief that he can still compete at the highest level when healthy.
“Obviously, every day there’s something here and there for me… but in general, I feel good and look forward to competing,” Djokovic said, according to reports from his recent comments.
Veteran star’s roadmap to Melbourne
Djokovic‘s arrival in Melbourne comes amid widespread analysis of where he stands physically and competitively.
Reports from early practice sessions indicated he may be struggling to hit peak intensity, with one extended training session reportedly ending early due to fatigue and physical issues that needed attention from his physiotherapist.
That narrative reflects the broader challenge facing Djokovic: adapt his legendary game while navigating the realities of age and accumulated wear.
Tennis insiders have noted that his five-set performances and recovery cycles have become more taxing in the past couple of seasons, a shift many expected but few have seen this clearly articulated by Djokovic himself.
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