Danielle Collins delivered a candid and uneasy assessment of Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open outlook after the Serb suffered an unexpected injury scare during a practice session in Melbourne. Speaking from her new role as a television analyst, Collins made it clear the issue is not something to dismiss lightly, stressing that injuries involving the neck or spine can derail even the most seasoned champions.
Danielle Collins Issues Warning While Analyzing Novak Djokovic’s Injury on Air
The concern comes at a pivotal moment for Djokovic, who is preparing for the 2026 Australian Open, scheduled from Jan. 18 through Feb. 1 at Melbourne Park. The tournament remains the season-opening major and will feature 128-player singles draws along with doubles, mixed doubles, junior, and wheelchair events.
Djokovic’s preparation hit turbulence on Wednesday when he cut short his second practice session after only 12 minutes because of a neck issue. His physiotherapist, Miljan Amanovic, treated him on court, but the session was abandoned. The setback followed a smooth arrival in Melbourne on Tuesday and a training session with Jiri Lehecka that showed no visible signs of trouble.
Asked to weigh in during a segment on the Tennis Channel, Collins said, “Anytime you’re dealing with something in the spine, low back, neck, it’s not a good sign. It’s not just a pain in the neck. It can be debilitating. So I’m not excited about this for Novak. He’s going to have to probably get some muscle relaxers and some painkillers and hope that he can get that inflammation down before the tournament starts.”
Djokovic cuts practice short due to neck injury 🚨
“He’s the greatest of all time…but he better pray he has a good draw” – Danielle Collins#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/4ipI5uozQI
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 14, 2026
Collins continued by placing the situation in a broader context, adding, “I mean, he’s the greatest of all time. But in my mind, you know, he is getting a little bit older. And I do think there’s something there. And it’s not ever a good feeling going into a tournament when you have an injury or something like this come up. He can certainly make the adjustment, but he’s just better pray that he has a good draw.”
Her comments also intersect with Djokovic’s recent withdrawal from the Adelaide International, where he cited not being physically ready to compete, leaving him without a competitive match since winning the Hellenic Championship in Greece on Nov. 8.
Collins made these remarks while working as a guest analyst and commentator for Tennis Channel in early 2026, a role she has taken on while stepping away from the WTA Tour to recover from a back injury and undergo egg-freezing procedures. Known for her candid takes and engaging personality, she has used this sabbatical to stay closely connected to the sport, offering commentary and strong opinions.
This year’s edition carries extra significance with a record prize purse of A$111.5 million, approximately $74.9 million. While much of the men’s draw centers on Jannik Sinner chasing a third straight Australian Open title, Djokovic’s health has become one of the most closely watched storylines in Melbourne.
