Djokovic Faces Physical and Organisational Hurdles Ahead of Australian Open Campaign
LONDON, 18 January 2026 – Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title faces a series of significant tests before a ball is struck in anger at Melbourne Park. The Serbian icon, now 38, is navigating a disrupted pre-season marked by tournament withdrawals, organisational upheaval, and the ever-present challenge of maintaining his physical prime against a younger generation.
A Disrupted Road to Melbourne
The start of 2026 has been far from straightforward for the 24-time major champion. Djokovic was forced to withdraw from what would have been his season-opening event, the Adelaide International, citing the need for additional preparation time. Compounding the competitive uncertainty, the tennis world was rocked when Djokovic announced his complete departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the players’ union he co-founded in 2020. He cited “ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.” This move severs his formal ties with an organisation that was once a central part of his off-court advocacy.
The Unrelenting Physical Battle
The latter stages of the 2025 season provided a stark illustration of the physical toll competing at the highest level continues to take. During the US Open, a candid Djokovic admitted to being “more concerned than I have ever been” about his body after showing signs of distress in early-round matches. “Age is. You can’t fight it,” he conceded, detailing an increased daily focus on recovery simply to “keep up with the youngsters.” This theme continued at Wimbledon, where after a semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner, he reflected, “I feel like I’m going into the match with a tank half-empty. It’s just not possible to win a match like that.” A nasty slip during his quarter-final at the All England Club further highlighted the precarious nature of competing on grass at this stage of his career.
Key Facts: The Djokovic Landscape
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 24 (Men’s Singles Record) |
| Weeks at World No. 1 | Record 428 weeks |
| Last Major Title | 2023 US Open |
| 2025 Major Results | Reached semi-finals at Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. |
| 2026 Australian Open Draw | Placed in same half as two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner. |
| Philanthropy | Novak Djokovic Foundation has built 50 schools, supporting over 20,800 children. |
The Road Ahead in Melbourne
Despite the challenges, Djokovic’s motivation remains fixed on the biggest prizes. He has explicitly stated that the upcoming Australian Open is not a “now or never” scenario for winning a 25th major, and has expressed a desire to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His record in Melbourne is unparalleled, with ten titles. However, the draw has not been kind, placing him in the same half as the world’s dominant force, Jannik Sinner. His preparations have included an exhibition victory over Frances Tiafoe, but the absence of official match play since late 2025 adds another layer of intrigue to his campaign. The tennis world watches to see if the greatest champion of the modern era can once again defy time, pressure, and a new generation of rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Novak Djokovic retired?
No, Novak Djokovic is not retired. He has no plans to retire in 2026 and has spoken about his ambition to play at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
When did Novak Djokovic last win a Grand Slam?
Djokovic’s most recent Grand Slam victory was at the 2023 US Open. He reached the semi-finals of all three majors in 2025 but did not add to his total of 24 titles.
Why did Djokovic leave the PTPA?
In January 2026, Djokovic announced his complete departure from the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which he co-founded. He cited “ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.”
What is Novak Djokovic’s best chance to win a 25th major?
Historically, the Australian Open has been his most successful tournament. Following his 2025 Roland Garros semi-final, he suggested his best chances for another major might be on the grass of Wimbledon or the faster hard courts of Australia.