Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2026 faces a crucial hurdle: his physical condition. The 38-year-old Serbian, a ten-time champion in Melbourne, has raised concerns about his fitness levels in the lead-up to the tournament.
Djokovic's recent withdrawal from the Adelaide International, citing a lack of physical readiness, fueled speculation about his form. Adding to the worries, he cut short a practice session in Melbourne due to a neck problem. Reports indicated that Djokovic received treatment on his neck from his physiotherapist after struggling with his serve. This curtailed session, lasting only 12 minutes, has intensified scrutiny over his condition.
Despite these concerns, there are glimpses of optimism. Djokovic participated in a pre-tournament exhibition match against Frances Tiafoe, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory. His performance appeared physically sound, offering hope to his fans. Moreover, Djokovic has been working on "rebuilding" his body during the off-season, employing recovery methods like the Regenesis recovery pod. He explained that this capsule helps reset his body's batteries in a short amount of time.
Djokovic's path to the final is potentially fraught with challenges. The draw places him in the same half as Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion, setting up a possible blockbuster semi-final. Sinner leads their head-to-head series 6-4, including a victory in the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals. Furthermore, top seed Carlos Alcaraz is in the same half as Alexander Zverev, adding another layer of complexity to the competition. Djokovic is set to begin his campaign against Pedro Martinez in the first round.
The Serbian star has acknowledged the increasing difficulty of competing against younger rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz in best-of-five set matches, particularly in the later stages of Grand Slams. He admitted to feeling "gassed out" in previous encounters, highlighting the physical demands of facing these top players.
Despite the fitness concerns, Djokovic remains determined to defy the odds. He has dismissed retirement rumors, expressing his ambition to compete at the 2028 LA Olympics. Furthermore, he has brought Mark Kovacs, a sports fitness and biomechanics expert, into his team, signaling his commitment to finding any possible edge. Djokovic's track record at the Australian Open is remarkable, with 10 titles to his name. A win in his opening match would mark his 100th victory at the tournament.
Whether Djokovic can overcome his physical challenges and navigate a tough draw remains to be seen. His pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title hinges on his ability to ace the fitness test and summon his legendary resilience on the court.
