Novak Djokovic will kick off the 2026 season at the ATP 250 event in Adelaide. The Serb will lead the draw at the event where he claimed trophies in 2007 ad 2023, hoping for another good run in front of his Serbian supporters.
A few years after traveling to Adelaide with Dejan Petrovic, Novak returned in 2007 and went all the way, edging Sam Groth in the final to lift his third ATP title at 19 and make a name for himself early to the season.
Sixteen years later, Djokovic made another trip to Adelaide in 2023 and bested Daniil Medvedev and Sebastian Korda en route to his second trophy at one of his favorite smaller tournaments in the calendar.
The Belgrade native had to dig deep against Korda in the final. The more experienced player prevailed 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 in three hours and nine minutes after fending off a match point in the 12th game of the second set with a smash winner.
He stole the tie break and overpowered his rival in the closing stages of the duel to lift a trophy and match Rafael Nadal's 92 ATP titles.At 38, Novak is still among the world's best players, securing his 17th year-end top-4 season.
Djokovic is preparing for the new season in Greece, extending his team and preparing for a strong run during the Australian summer. The Serb will try to achieve another good result at his beloved Australian Open.
The ten-time winner claimed a trophy in 2023, and he will try to follow the same Adelaide-Melbourne pattern in 2026. This year, Novak ousted Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final at Rod Laver Arena.
However, he injured his left leg and retired in the semi-final against Alexander Zverev after dropping the opening set. Djokovic is working hard to improve his physical shape and manage his should injury, hoping for a strong start to the 2026 season.
