Djokovic pulls out of Adelaide International, expressing fitness concerns

Adelaide: Former world No. 1 and the world’s most successful player, Novak Djokovic, has decided to withdraw from next week’s Adelaide International. It is a pre-fabrication event for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, said he is not physically ready to participate in the Adelaide International and has therefore withdrawn from the event.

In a statement released on social media on Monday, Djokovic said, “To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately, I am not physically ready to participate in the Adelaide International next week.” Djokovic further added, “This is very disappointing personally as I have very fond memories of winning the title there two years ago. I was very excited to return as it truly felt like playing at home.”

Djokovic said his focus is now on preparing for the Australian Open. The 38-year-old Serbian has won the Australian Open ten times, winning in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023.

In a statement on social media, Djokovic said, “My focus is now on preparing for the Australian Open, and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon and meeting all the tennis fans in Australia.”

Earlier in the day, Djokovic said he had “completely separated from the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded,” and expressed concerns about “ongoing transparency and governance.”
Djokovic and Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil launched the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) as a not-for-profit corporation to ensure players have a united, independent voice in shaping the future of professional tennis.
Djokovic posted on X, “After much consideration, I have decided to completely step down from the Professional Tennis Players Association. This decision was made following ongoing concerns about transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image are portrayed.”
The post read, “I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when we started the PTPA, giving players a strong, independent voice – but it has become clear that my values ​​and approach no longer align with the current direction of the organization.”
He added, “I will continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity. I wish the players and everyone involved the best of luck moving forward, but for me, this chapter is now closed.”