Novak Djokovic has sparked a wave of concern within the tennis community following an unexpected update regarding his schedule in Australia. With the Australian Open just days away, the Serbian legend’s schedule has undergone a sudden shift, sparking widespread speculation about his current condition.
The tennis world was excited to see him return to South Australia. Still, this latest update has left everyone closely monitoring the situation as the 24-time Grand Slam Champion adjusts his commitments for the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic’s Unexpected Move Ahead of Adelaide International
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had previously confirmed his participation in the Adelaide International, taking it as the ideal warm-up for the Australian Open campaign. However, Djokovic announced his withdrawal on Instagram, explicitly citing his physical state as the reason.
“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.”
He further clarified his priorities, stating, “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.”
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His writing, “not quite physically ready,” has raised eyebrows, given Djokovic’s recent history of strictly managing his schedule to preserve his body. Following the demanding 2025 season that saw him battle recurring physical setbacks, including knee and leg issues, the 38-year-old has been highly selective with his tournament appearances.
Novak Djokovic has pulled out of Adelaide citing a lack of physical readiness. Really not a good sign considering the time he’s had to prepare for what was supposed to be his first event of 2026. pic.twitter.com/kNlqdZRzw5
— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) January 5, 2026
His current strategy prioritizes peaking exclusively for the Masters 1000 events and Grand Slam tournaments. This withdrawal suggests he is still managing lingering physical issues as he aims to capture a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne.
He has won the Adelaide International twice, in 2007 as the Next Gen Adelaide International and most recently, in 2023, after a thrilling final against Sebastian Korda, where he saved a championship point to secure the victory. That victory provided momentum that led to Djokovic’s subsequent Australian Open triumph against Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
How Did the Fans React to Djokovic’s Withdrawal?
The announcement immediately created significant buzz across social media platforms. Djokovic’s statement, especially where he discussed not being physically fit, raised concerns among fans who were expecting his first Tour appearance since November 8, 2025, when he won the Hellenic Championship in Athens against Lorenzo Musetti.
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Expressing their concern, one fan wrote, “Worrying signs.”
Worrying signs
— Jack Davis (@JackDavis201095) January 5, 2026
Another fan expressed their distress by writing, “Not physically ready doesn’t sound good 😭”
Not physically ready doesn’t sound good 😭 https://t.co/C6E7LlOela
— Goldovic era 🥇 (@novaksoverhead) January 5, 2026
“The ‘r word’ is inevitable,” wrote one fan talking about a potential retirement, given Djokovic’s recent medical history.
The “r word” is inevitable https://t.co/T6J6S8yRZv pic.twitter.com/OD67WDgNI9
— cris (@sinnerap0va) January 5, 2026
One fan was so saddened by the news that they wrote, “Novak’s withdrawn from Adelaide. I’m completely fine about this,” along with a GIF showing a person expressing their frustration.
Novak’s withdrawn from Adelaide. I’m completely fine about this.
pic.twitter.com/7Oz9Avwh0X— Emma (@emmylobz) January 5, 2026
They added, “WHAT DOES ‘NOT PHYSICALLY READY’ MEAN????????!!!!!”
WHAT DOES “NOT PHYSICALLY READY” MEAN????????!!!!!
— Emma (@emmylobz) January 5, 2026
As the Australian Open draws near, uncertainty looms over Djokovic’s campaign for a record-extending 25th major title. While his focus shifts entirely to recovery, the tennis world remains on high alert, awaiting further updates on his fitness to see if the Serbian legend can overcome these physical hurdles in time for the season’s first Major.
