Novak Djokovic started the 2026 season by reaching the final at the Australian Open.
A truly exceptional result for the Serbian legend, who has shown that he can still be competitive at the highest level at almost 39 years old. The former world number 1 unleashed a truly unreal performance against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, returning to beat the Italian ace after more than two years and forcing him to suffer his first loss at Melbourne Park since the 2023 edition.
The 38-year-old from Belgrade also expressed a very high level during the final against Carlos Alcaraz, but his energy dropped in the second part of the match and the current world number 1 prevailed in four sets over the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
After reaching the final act in Australia, the 24-time Grand Slam champion took time to recharge his batteries and watched several races of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics live. He chose to skip the Doha ATP 500, taking place this week in Qatar, and his decision surprised no one.
Nole’s priority at this stage of his career is only the Major tournaments and he has understood that he can have other chances in the future if he continues to be motivated.
Djokovic will play in Indian Wells
A few hours ago, the Indian Wells Masters 1000 officially confirmed that Djokovic will be present at this year’s edition. The Serbian has not lifted the trophy in California since 2016 and his recent participations have been really disappointing, having not found the right feeling with a particularly slow surface.
Novak had been eliminated by Luca Nardi in the third round in 2024, while in the last edition his run was interrupted already on his debut against Dutch ace Botic van de Zandschulp on a particularly windy day.
“A legend returns. 20 years after his debut here, Novak Djokovic makes his return to The Tennis Paradise!” – wrote the Indian Wells tournament on his official social profiles.