In a move that has disappointed fans, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has officially pulled out of next week's Adelaide International tournament.
The 38-year-old Serbian legend announced his withdrawal via Instagram, stating he is not yet physically prepared to compete, choosing instead to focus his efforts on a record-extending 11th Australian Open title in Melbourne.
Djokovic's Statement and Shift in Focus
Addressing his supporters directly, Djokovic expressed his personal disappointment at the decision. 'To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately I'm not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week,' he wrote.
He highlighted fond memories of winning the Adelaide title two years ago, saying the event 'truly felt like playing at home.' His attention is now squarely on preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year. 'My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon,' Djokovic added.
A Bid for History and Recent Form
This withdrawal marks another step in Djokovic's meticulous planning for his assault on a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, where main-draw play begins on January 18.
The world number four has not played an official tour match since early November, when he won the ATP event in Athens by defeating Lorenzo Musetti. His recent record at Melbourne Park shows a mixed bag: he triumphed in 2023 but fell at the semi-final stage in both 2024 and 2025, retiring injured against Alexander Zverev last year.
Withdrawal Follows Major Association Split
The announcement from Adelaide tournament organisers came just a day after Djokovic revealed another significant career move. He has severed ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), the body he co-founded in 2019 with now-retired Canadian player Vasek Pospisil.
Djokovic attributed his exit to 'ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented'. This departure is seen as a major blow to the organisation, particularly as it remains engaged in legal battles with the sport's established governing bodies.
Losing its founding father represents a significant setback from which the PTPA may struggle to recover, casting a shadow over its future as it advocates for player rights.
