Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has sent shockwaves through the Australian tennis community, abruptly withdrawing from a key warm-up event just weeks before the Australian Open.
Djokovic's Sad Withdrawal Announcement
The 38-year-old superstar made the disappointing announcement to his fans via Instagram on Monday night. In a statement, Djokovic revealed he would not be competing in the upcoming Adelaide International tournament.
The primary reason given was that he is not "physically ready" to take to the court. The decision clearly weighed heavily on the champion, who expressed his personal disappointment at missing the event.
A Home Away From Home
Djokovic's connection to the Adelaide event is strong, having clinched the title there two years ago in 2023, as well as back in 2007. He described the tournament as a special one, where he feels immense support.
"I was really excited about returning as it truly feels like playing at home," Djokovic said in his social media post. This sentiment makes his late withdrawal all the more significant and concerning for his legion of Australian fans.
Eyes Firmly on the Melbourne Prize
Despite the setback, Djokovic's ultimate goal remains crystal clear. He stated that his focus has now shifted entirely to his preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne.
"And I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon and seeing all the tennis fans in Australia," he added, aiming to reassure supporters about his participation in the year's first Grand Slam.
The withdrawal raises immediate questions about his fitness and readiness for a grueling two-week major tournament. Djokovic is the most successful player in Australian Open history, having won the title a record 10 times. His quest for an unprecedented 11th crown is now under a cloud, with the tennis world watching closely to see if he can recover in time.
