Djokovic Heads Back to Adelaide’s Warmth
With the Australian Open on the horizon, Novak Djokovic returns to the Adelaide International, where past triumphs and roaring crowds could fuel his 2026 fire.
Novak Djokovic will return to Adelaide, tournament organisers revealed Tuesday in Australia. The Serbian steps onto familiar hard courts for the Adelaide International, an ATP 250 event running from 12-17 January. This early stop sharpens his game amid the South Australian summer, blending baseline grind with the energy of a crowd that once made him feel at home.
History here runs deep for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who first claimed the title in 2007 as a rising force. Two years ago, he navigated a tough draw with tactical poise, his returns eating up serves and forehands carving angles on these medium-fast surfaces.
“It definitely felt like playing at home, that’s for sure,” Djokovic said after claiming glory two years ago in Adelaide. “The support that I’ve been getting in the last 10 days, I don’t think I’ve experienced too many times in my life, so thank you so much for everyone for coming out every single match.”
Reliving the 2023 surge
Djokovic has competed in Adelaide twice before, lifting the trophy in 2007 and again in 2023. That recent run saw him defeat Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, absorbing flat groundstrokes before countering with heavy topspin to push the Russian back. The final against Sebastian Korda demanded quick shifts, his one–two serve and crosscourt backhand breaking through flat serves under the evening lights.
Those wins rebuilt rhythm after off-season recovery, the cheers acting as a buffer against mounting expectations. Now, at 38, he seeks that same mental reset, using the event’s pace to test hip tweaks and forehand depth before Melbourne’s intensity.
Watch Highlights: Djokovic vs. Korda in 2023 Adelaide final
Navigating rising threats
Other entrants bring fresh dynamics to the draw, starting with Jack Draper’s booming lefty serve that angles wide on returns. Joao Fonseca adds speed from the baseline, forcing longer points where Djokovic can layer underspin slices to disrupt rhythm. Tommy Paul’s all-court grit, complete with net rushes, tests serve placement on a surface where aces matter but errors lurk in transitions.
Stefanos Tsitsipas stands out with his one-handed backhand, capable of down-the-line lasers in heated exchanges. For Djokovic, these matchups mean conserving energy early, drawing on experience to extend rallies and exploit second-serve weaknesses. The psychology tilts his way in tight sets, where crowd surges turn defense into dominance.
Setting the Australian tone
Adelaide’s grippy hard courts suit his sliding style, allowing inside-out forehands to pin opponents deep without overextending. A deep run here defends 2023 points while building buffer for the rankings chase, easing pressure as Doha and the majors approach. With roots tracing to his 2007 breakthrough, this return promises tactical layers and emotional fuel, propelling him toward another down-under charge.
