When will Novak Djokovic play his next tournament after Australian Open 2026?
(Courtesy : @djokernole/Instagram)
Djokovic reached his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open since Wimbledon 2024.
In a thrilling yet bittersweet conclusion to the 2026 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic fell short of a record-extending 11th title and his 25th Grand Slam overall, losing to World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final on February 1.
The 38-year-old Serbian legend started strong, dominating the first set 6-2 with his trademark precision and baseline mastery. However, Alcaraz, at just 22, mounted a stunning comeback, winning the next three sets 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to complete his career Grand Slam and become the youngest man to achieve the feat in history.
Djokovic’s path to the final was remarkable, highlighted by a grueling five-set semifinal upset over two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, showcasing his enduring resilience despite advancing age.
Benefiting from a fourth-round walkover and a quarter-final retirement by Lorenzo Musetti, the Serbian reached his 11th Melbourne final undefeated in previous deciders, but Alcaraz’s athleticism and shot-making proved too much.
Post-match, Djokovic expressed unwavering belief in future Slams, stating, “I always believe I can,” while praising his opponent as “one of the best I’ve faced. The stellar campaign saw him rise to No. 3 in the ATP rankings, reiterating his dominance on the field even at the fag end of his career.
When will Novak Djokovic be in action next after Australian Open 2026?
Looking ahead, Djokovic’s next tournament is scheduled to be the Qatar Open in Doha, slated to begin from February 16-21. It is an ATP 500 event to be played on hard courts at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
As a global ambassador for Qatar Airways, the Serbian is expected to headline the field, seeking redemption after a disappointing 2025 outing.
Last year, returning from a hamstring injury sustained at the Australian Open, Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit to Matteo Berrettini, 7-6(4), 6-2, marking his earliest loss in nearly three years.
The 2025 title went to Andrey Rublev, who defeated Jack Draper in the final. This year’s Qatar Open boasts a star-studded lineup, with top seeds including Alcaraz (1), Sinner (2), Djokovic (3), Félix Auger-Aliassime (4), and Alexander Bublik (5), promising high-stakes matches.
Djokovic, a six-time Doha champion (last in 2019), will aim to rebuild momentum ahead of Indian Wells, leveraging his affinity for the venue. It will also be interesting to witness how the Serbian performs outside major events.
When will Novak Djokovic next be in action after Australian Open 2026 final?
Djokovic is scheduled to compete at the Qatar Open in Doha, which is slated to begin from February 16.
How did Novak Djokovic perform at Australian Open 2026?
Djokovic finished as the runners-up, losing the title match to Carlos Alcaraz despite winning the opening set.
How many tournaments has Novak Djokovic participated in this year?
The Australian Open was Djokovic’s first tournament of the year. He was last in action at the Hellenic Championship in Greece last November.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.