'Not physically ready' - Djokovic out of Adelaide

By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 6, 2025

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from his planned Australian Open warm-up tournament as he is "not quite physically ready to compete".

The Serb great, 38, was set to play at next week's Adelaide International as he gears up for his latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

Djokovic has won 10 of his 24 majors at the Australian Open but lost in the semi-finals on his past two appearances.

He has scaled down his playing time in recent years to attempt to be fresh for the Grand Slams.

"I was really excited about returning as it truly felt like playing at home," Djokovic wrote on Instagram.

"My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon."

World number four Djokovic has not won a major since the 2023 US Open but was one of the most consistent players at the Slams last year.

He reached the semi-finals of all four Slams, losing to Jannik Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.

He was forced to retire with injury from his last-four meeting in Melbourne against Alexander Zverev last January.

Djokovic also won two ATP Tour titles last year, taking his overall tally to 101.

The Australian Open runs from Sunday, 18 January-Sunday, 1 February.

Earlier, three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev called for the tournament to bring forward its night session matches.

Matches begin at 19:00 local time, with two matches scheduled to take place on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.

Djokovic and Andy Murray have previously spoken about late finishes in Melbourne, with Murray describing his 04:05am finish in 2023 as a "farce".

Medvedev, who was beaten by Learner Tien in a match that finished at 2:55am local time, said he was "happy" to play in the night sessions but scheduling changes would be "better for everyone".

"I like soccer, but here [in Australia] I don't watch the Premier League because it's at two in the morning.

"It's pretty much the same -- people who really love tennis would like to see it at six because then they are almost sure to watch both matches.

"OK, if it goes ridiculously long, [instead of finishing] at three, it would finish at two. It's better for everyone."

Source BBC Sports

Posted January 6, 2026


 

You may also like...
Kanu, Agu pray for favourable W/Cup draw

West Ham agree £16m deal for Javier Hernandez...

Man United Manager Search Put On Hold As...

Nff Rejigs Super Falcons Technical Crew, Brings In...

Brazil legend Ronaldo reveals secret of famous 2002...

Massive Return Of Fans To NPFL Venues Excites...

 

Latest News FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Dreaming of Olise, Musiala, Eze, Saka - Priceless Jewels Nigeria Lost To Treachery Omewa brace powers Falcons past Senegal Joshua open to Itauma fight NWFL Super Six: Edo Queens’ beat FC Robo 4-1 FG, Onyema to immortalise Keshi 7TH U-13 JOF CUP: VI FOOT IJORA, SET UP FINAL CLASH WITH FORTUNE FA OSHODI Major Boost For Anambra Football As NFF Approves Federation Cup Quarter-Final In Awka SWAN, Anambra FA Resolve Over 2-year Feud Durosinmi weds lover after leaving Eagles camp Olise can be France’s breakout star at 2026 World Cup — Clichy NWFL Super Six: Edo Queens’ chances still bright – Enabulele Joshua hints at MMA crossover

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (63,844 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,171 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,122 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,688 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,594 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,490 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,327 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,892 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,073 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,573 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,008 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,450 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media