No wild card entry at the Australian Open! Djokovic announces his first tournament of the season; Alcaraz and Sinner head to exhibition matches

At the start of the 2026 season, Djokovic was initially absent from the entry lists. He was not listed for the Brisbane event or the United Cup, sparking speculation that he might head straight to the Australian Open. However, just as this idea gained traction, the Serbian star surprised everyone by registering late for the Adelaide International, becoming the center of attention.

Djokovic has confirmed his participation in the Adelaide International, scheduled from January 12 to 17, 2026. His name appeared only after the initial entry list was released. His earlier absence led many to believe the 24-time Grand Slam champion would skip all warm-up events before the Australian Open.

All previous signs pointed to Djokovic skipping warm-up tournaments and heading directly to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open. He did not enter the Brisbane tournament he played in 2024, nor did he participate in the United Cup, which marked his season start in 2023. Therefore, his last-minute confirmation to compete in Adelaide came as a surprise.

This decision reshapes the pre-Australian Open landscape, as Alcaraz and Sinner will not take part in any official warm-up events. Instead, these two top-ranked players have chosen the exhibition route, facing off on January 10, 2026, in Incheon, South Korea, at the Hyundai Card Super Match.

This exhibition match is just eight days before the Australian Open main draw begins in Melbourne on January 18, 2026. Organizers stated, “For local tennis fans, this will be the first opportunity to see the world’s top two players compete head-to-head live.” This highlights the event’s significant local importance.

Meanwhile, the Adelaide International boasts a strong lineup, with players like Draper, Tsitsipas, and Berrettini confirmed to compete, ensuring high competition throughout the week. As an ATP 250 event, Djokovic’s participation undoubtedly makes it one of the most watched tournaments.

Djokovic also has fond memories of Adelaide. He won the tournament in 2023 and built a strong connection with the local fans. “It felt like playing at home, no doubt about it,” Djokovic said after his victory two years ago. “The support I received over those 10 days was rare in my life. I’m truly grateful to every fan who came to the matches.”

A year ago, Djokovic started his season at the Brisbane International. He defeated Kei Nishikori and Gael Monfils but lost to Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals. It was also where he returned to doubles after a long injury break, partnering with Kyrgios.

Now, with Adelaide added to his schedule, expectations for Djokovic have risen. He aims to compete for the title, and recently added a specialized fitness coach to his team. This move has boosted his confidence and clearly signals his full commitment to challenging for Melbourne’s crown again.

As the 2026 season approaches, Djokovic clearly realizes his priorities have shifted. Turning 38 this year, maintaining his physical health is more important than anything else. Even the recent dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz in Grand Slams ranks below this priority. Djokovic’s main focus is preparing his body to perform at key moments.

At this stage of his career, precise planning is critical. Managing match load, recovery, and fitness has become central to his strategy. Rather than focusing on the number of tournaments played, prolonging his career is now the key, especially when facing opponents nearly two decades younger.

To this end, Djokovic has further strengthened his team by hiring Mark Kovac, a highly respected fitness coach based in Australia. Kovac’s main role is to help Djokovic maintain peak physical condition and reduce injury risk. This task is challenging but with a clear and focused goal.

This move clearly shows Djokovic’s desire to extend his career. He still believes he can challenge the new generation of tennis leaders. The Serbian star remains eager to compete at the highest level, even against opponents almost twenty years his junior.

Now, with Djokovic’s return to Adelaide for this ATP 250 event, expectations have peaked once again. Following Mark Kovac’s addition to his team, all eyes will be on his performance: can meticulous physical management help Djokovic lift the trophy again?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)