As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, Novak Djokovic is once again at the center of attention for an unexpectedly relatable confession about life on the road. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who has spent more than two decades crisscrossing the globe in pursuit of titles, recently opened up about why he calls packing his biggest off-court weakness.
A Candid Look at Novak Djokovic’s Chaotic Approach to Packing
Djokovic’s candid remarks about travel stood out for their humor and honesty. In an interview with Travel + Leisure, he did not hold back when describing his habits. “I am possibly the worst person on the planet when it comes to packing,” Djokovic said with a laugh.
He went on to explain how his approach affects life at home, adding, “My wife is constantly freaking out because I’m always leaving open suitcases around the house, but folding clothes just kills me.”
Djokovic then summed up his solution in a typically blunt fashion, saying, “Honestly, my new strategy is just to never unpack. If you never unpack, then you never have to worry about packing.”
Why Is the 2026 Australian Open So Pivotal for Djokovic’s Legacy?
The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, returns to Melbourne Park from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1, 2026, with a 128-player singles draw and a record prize pool of A$111.5 million. Djokovic, a 10-time champion in Melbourne, arrives with unfinished business. He is chasing a 25th major title, a milestone that would move him past Margaret Court-Smith and into undisputed territory atop tennis history.
That pursuit comes amid a competitive field headlined by Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending men’s champion, and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who is still searching for his first Australian Open crown. On the women’s side, Madison Keys returns as defending champion, with Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff all positioned as major contenders.
While the stakes are immense, Djokovic’s preparation has been less than seamless. He recently withdrew from the Adelaide International, explaining that he was not physically ready to compete. That decision left him without a competitive match since his victory at the Hellenic Championship in Greece in Nov. 2025.
His early days in Melbourne also brought a moment of concern. Djokovic cut short a practice session after just 12 minutes because of a neck issue, receiving on-court treatment from his longtime physiotherapist, Miljan Amanovic, before abandoning the session.
The setback followed an otherwise smooth arrival and a prior hit with Jiri Lehecka that showed no obvious signs of trouble. Even so, Djokovic appeared unfazed, maintaining his focus as he fine-tuned both his body and mindset for another demanding Australian Open run.
