There was a familiar sense of anticipation in Adelaide as the tennis world waited for Novak Djokovic to usher in his 2026 season. The Serbian legend, synonymous with early-year dominance in Australia, was expected to fine-tune his game at the Adelaide International - just as he has done so successfully in the past. But as the countdown to the new season began, Djokovic chose a different path.

In a decision that rippled across the tennis community, the 24-time Grand Slam champion officially withdrew from the Adelaide International, opting instead to focus entirely on the Australian Open - his most cherished hunting ground (10x champion). For Djokovic, Adelaide has never felt like just another warm-up stop. Three years ago, he lifted the trophy there (defeating Sebastian Korda in three sets). That triumph helped set the tone for yet another dominant Australian summer. Naturally, fans hoped for a repeat script. But this time, the story demanded patience.

Breaking the news via an Instagram story to his 16 million followers, Novak Djokovic offered both clarity and candor. “To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately, I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week.” The words were simple, but they carried weight. At 38, Djokovic has become increasingly deliberate with his schedule - listening closely to his body, prioritizing longevity, and peaking when it matters most. Adelaide, despite its emotional pull, didn’t fit into that equation this year. The disappointment was unmistakable.

“It’s personally very disappointing to me, as I have such great memories of winning the title there two years ago. I was really excited about returning, as it truly felt like playing at home.”

Australia has long embraced Novak Djokovic as one of its own. From Melbourne to Adelaide, the Serbian has built a bond with fans that goes beyond trophies. His choice to skip Adelaide wasn’t a lack of desire - it was a calculated sacrifice. With the 11th AO title (also the 25th major title) in his mind, Djokovic’s focus is now crystal clear.

“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,” he added. Those words serve as both reassurance and warning. Djokovic may be absent from Adelaide, but he is far from absent from the conversation. History suggests that when he arrives in Melbourne without the burden of extra matches, he arrives dangerous.

In the previous season, Novak Djokovic reached all four Grand Slam semifinals, but he failed to reach at least one final for the first time since 2017. He won two titles and had a win-loss record of 39-11. Can he come out with some better performances in 2026? Time will tell.

Can Novak Djokovic navigate through the hurdles and bring success in the upcoming season?

At this stage of Novak Djokovic’s career, every season feels less like a routine calendar turn and more like a carefully measured gamble. The trophies are already stacked higher than anyone else’s, the records largely rewritten. Yet as 2026 approaches, the question surrounding the Serbian icon is no longer what he has achieved. But how much more can his body and mind still give?

Djokovic will turn 39 during the 2026 season, an age that once signaled the end for even the greatest champions. And while he continues to defy tennis’s natural laws, the conversation around him has unmistakably shifted. Former rivals, analysts, and fans alike are no longer debating his greatness. They’re wondering whether he can still survive the grind.

For example, American legend Andy Roddick questioned whether the Serbian can still train with the same relentless intensity that once defined him. “I don’t know that he can train the way he used to… And if you can’t do that, can you get your body to hold up over the course of two weeks at a major, over best-of-five? The answer this year was no. To his own admission.”

Roddick wasn't questioning Novak Djokovic’s skill or desire. He was questioning the toll. The wear that accumulates match after match, especially when the margins at Grand Slams are brutally thin. Former WTA star Nadia Petrova went a step further when asked to predict who might drop out of the top ten in 2026. “It could even be Novak Djokovic himself. After all, if you look at age, all the players in the top 10 are around 23. Sasha Zverev and Taylor Fritz are 28, and Novak is 38.”

Despite winning two titles in 2025, Petrova noted that the Serb didn’t reach a single Grand Slam final, a rare statistic for a player who once seemed untouchable on the biggest stages. But the former AO finalist Marcos Baghdatis had a different opinion in his mind.

Talking about Novak Djokovic’s chase for the 25th Grand Slam title, he said, “Year by year, it’s going less and less, the chances, that’s for sure. But he’s still there; he’s still in the top five players in the world; he’s still competing with the top two, or even the top three. So, he’s still there.”

Can Nole do wonders at Melbourne this year and win the most-awaited 25th major title? Well, according to Serbian analyst Sasa Ozmo, who has followed Djokovic’s career closely, “It’s not easy to make a prediction about it. One would think that the Australian Open is the Grand Slam tournament in which he has the most chances, given that he has lifted the trophy on ten occasions. He practiced very intensively during the off-season and should be in excellent shape, but there is no doubt that the situation is complicated for an athlete who will turn 39 in a few months. He will have to hope that the draw opens up a bit, but he is not the favorite.”

In 2026, the battle may not just be against opponents across the net - but against time itself. And if anyone has earned the right to challenge it one more time, it’s Novak Djokovic.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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