Novak Djokovic is pushing himself hard during the off-season as he gears up to remain a major force on the ATP Tour when the 2026 season begins.
The Serbian great has once again proven in 2025 that he remains a formidable presence at the sport’s biggest events. Reaching the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments underlined his enduring quality, but Djokovic is also aware that new challenges lie ahead. With rivals such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz now firmly in their prime, the former world number one knows innovation and adaptation will be key to staying ahead.
Another priority for Djokovic is managing his physical condition. After dealing with recurring injuries over the past two seasons, the 38-year-old has reinforced his support team in an effort to improve recovery, durability and overall fitness as he enters a demanding phase of his career.
Looking ahead to the Australian Open—where he will aim for a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne and a 25th Grand Slam crown—Djokovic has chosen a competitive build-up. He plans to compete at the Adelaide ATP 250 to sharpen his match readiness. He concluded his 2025 campaign on a high note by claiming the title in Athens, though he skipped the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin for the second consecutive year.
Focused training across continents
Djokovic began his early preparations in Greece before relocating to Dubai, a strategic move designed to acclimatise to the climate and playing conditions he will face in Australia early next year.
At Melbourne Park earlier this season, Djokovic once again showcased his brilliance by reaching the semifinals, including a stunning quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to retire during his semifinal against Alexander Zverev—a moment he later described as one of the biggest disappointments of his year.
Recently, Djokovic was seen training alongside Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, with a short video of their practice session circulating on social media. Once regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation, Shapovalov has yet to consistently fulfil the lofty expectations placed on him early in his career, making the joint training session an intriguing collaboration.
As 2026 approaches, Djokovic’s intense off-season regimen reflects both his ambition and his determination to remain at the pinnacle of men’s tennis.
