Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Adelaide International, an Australian Open warm-up event, citing a lack of physical readiness as he continues his build-up to the season’s first Grand Slam.
The 38-year-old Serb announced his decision on Monday through social media, saying he is not yet prepared to return to competitive action. Djokovic expressed disappointment at missing the tournament, where he lifted the trophy two years ago and enjoyed strong support from local fans.
Addressing supporters in Adelaide, Djokovic said the decision was difficult, adding that he had been looking forward to returning to a venue where he felt “at home” and had created special memories. However, he stressed that his priority is now fully focused on preparing for the Australian Open.
Djokovic has not played an official match for nearly two months. His last appearance came on Nov. 8, when he defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti to win the Hellenic Championship final in Athens. Shortly after that victory, he withdrew from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year, citing a shoulder injury.
The former world No. 1 said he expects to arrive in Melbourne soon as he continues his preparation for the Australian Open, which gets underway at Melbourne Park on Jan. 18.
Djokovic is the most successful player in the history of the tournament, having won the Australian Open a record 10 times, including his most recent title in 2023. However, he has failed to reach the final in each of the past two editions, exiting at the semifinal stage both times. In 2025, he was forced to retire after one set of his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev due to a torn hamstring.
Despite injury setbacks, Djokovic reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam events last season. He begins the new year ranked No. 4 in the world, behind Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Zverev.
His withdrawal from Adelaide follows another significant announcement, made a day earlier, that he is ending his involvement with the Professional Tennis Players Association, the organization he co-founded that has been engaged in legal action against tennis’s governing bodies.
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