Novak Djokovic cuts short practice session due to injury ahead of Australian Open 2026
(Courtesy : @AustralianOpen/Twitter)
Novak Djokovic cuts short practice session on Wednesday
Novak Djokovic, who is aiming for a record 11th Australian Open title, had to cut short a practice session on Wednesday in Melbourne. The Serbian ended the session early, citing neck pain and fatigue as the reasons for his inability to complete his time on court.
The latest injury scare could derail the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s attempt to add another major title to his collection. Djokovic has not played since November, and his withdrawal from the ongoing 2026 Adelaide International meant he arrived in Melbourne without attending any warm-up event.
The Serbian World No. 4 faces yet another fitness-related hurdle in his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. His latest fitness woes raise questions with the first major of the season knocking the door.
At 38, with the ever-present threat from Sinner and Alcaraz looming, Djokovic will have to be at his best to survive the gruelling fortnight in Melbourne Park.
Djokovic, the fourth seed, is scheduled to play American Frances Tiafoe in a practice match on Thursday at the Rod Laver Arena.
His path to the title will likely see him cross paths with defending champion Jannik Sinner and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. The former World No. 1 will be challenged by the dominant duo as he looks to dominate Melbourne Park once again.
Speaking to the Tennis Channel, fellow tennis professional Danielle Collins said, “He’s the greatest of all time…but he better pray he has a good draw.”
The 2026 Australian Open draw gives Djokovic a relatively easy path to the last four, where he is seeded to clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner. He is scheduled to begin his campaign against Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the first round.
Why did Novak Djokovic cut short his practice session in Melbourne?
Djokovic ended his practice early due to neck pain and fatigue, raising concerns ahead of the Australian Open.
Has Djokovic played any warm-up tournaments before the Australian Open 2026?
No. Djokovic has not played competitively since November and withdrew from the Adelaide International, arriving in Melbourne without a warm-up event.
What is at stake for Djokovic at the Australian Open 2026?
Djokovic is chasing a record 11th Australian Open title and a historic 25th Grand Slam championship.
Who is Novak Djokovic scheduled to face in the first round?
Djokovic is set to open his campaign against Spain’s Pedro Martinez in the first round.
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Meet Fazeel—a bibliophile and sci-fi aficionado who devours books and movies alike. His favorite form of exercise? Watching tennis from a perfectly positioned couch. Whether he's lost in a gripping novel or absorbed in a five-hour Grand Slam final, he's all in. Favorite quote: “You cannot be serious” – John McEnroe.