Novak Djokovic Gearing Up For 25th Slam Title: Serb Set To Warm Up In Adelaide Ahead Of AO 2026

Novak Djokovic is heading back to familiar territory as he begins his quest for an 11th Australian Open crown — and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Tournament officials confirmed on Tuesday that the Serbian great will compete at the Adelaide International from January 12–17, using the ATP-WTA event as his final tune-up ahead of the Australian Open, which begins at Melbourne Park on January 18.

Now 38 and ranked world No. 4, Djokovic knows Adelaide well. He has played the tournament twice before — and won it twice, lifting the trophy in 2007 and again in 2023. This year’s return adds another chapter to his enduring love affair with the Australian summer.

2025 A Vintage Djokovic Season Despite No Majors

Djokovic hasn’t lifted a Grand Slam

trophy since 2023 and has significantly reduced his tour schedule, but his 2025 season was still one that most players would dream of. He captured titles in Geneva and Athens, and most notably, also rewrote history in November.

The ATP’s final rankings, released on November 17, placed him fourth in the world — making him the oldest player ever to finish a season inside the ATP Top 4. In doing so, he also claimed his 16th career Top-4 finish, moving clear of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both ended their careers with 15.

In the Open Era, only six men have finished a season in the Top 4 after the age of 35. Djokovic has now done it twice. Federer managed it three times, while Nadal, Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors achieved the feat once each.

Other Competitors in Adelaide

Adelaide’s men’s field also features Jack Draper, Joao Fonseca, Tommy Paul and Stefanos Tsitsipas, setting up a strong pre-Open test.

On the women’s side, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys headlines the draw, joined by fellow top-10 stars Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva and Ekaterina Alexandrova.

(with agency inputs)