Is Novak Djokovic playing in the 2026 Australian Open? Doubt remains over Grand Slam legend

Novak Djokovic threw his Australian Open hopes into doubt at the start of the month after withdrawing from a warm-up event.

The 38-year-old tennis great pulled out of the Adelaide International, admitting that he wasn’t ‘physically ready’ to take part.

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It has meant that concerns around his participation in the first Grand Slam of 2026 have risen amid retirement fears.

Djokovic will want to win a remarkable 25th Grand Slam title of his career, but will he have a chance to claim it Down Under?

Is Novak Djokovic playing in the Australian Open?

Djokovic is expected to be playing in the 2026 Australian Open.

Within his statement confirming he had withdrawn from the Adelaide International, he discussed the Grand Slam.

And he revealed that he was going to be travelling to Melbourne for the tournament, opting to rest ahead of it.

The Serbian wrote on social media: “To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately, I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week.

“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.

“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.”

Djokovic is now in Melbourne to practice and will be playing in the Grand Slam, aiming to win his first major title since 2023.

First-round matches are scheduled to get going on January 18.

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When did Djokovic last play a match?

Djokovic is hoping to be fit enough to go far in the Australian Open after a lack of action in recent months.

He has not played a match since November.

His last appearance on the court competitively was in the final of the Hellenic Championship in Greece, where he beat Lorenzo Musetti.

Following that match, Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals due to a shoulder injury amid other physical struggles last season.

There have been multiple hints at a potential retirement for the legend, but he appears to still be going strong, having reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams in 2025.

However, he has had to add longer rest periods into his busy schedule to make sure he’s fit and fighting for titles.

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Djokovic’s Australian Open record

Djokovic holds the record for the most Australian Open titles ever.

He has got his hands on the Grand Slam in Melbourne 10 times.

His last win Down Under came in 2022, with him reaching the semi-finals in the last two editions of the tournament.

The Serbian is just one more Slam away from becoming the outright record-holder for the most ever in the sport.

Djokovic is level with female tennis icon Margaret Court on 24 singles crowns heading into the 2026 season.

A 25th would mark a historic moment for him and the sport, especially if he’s able to overcome his fitness issues.