As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, Novak Djokovic once again finds himself at the center of tennis debate. The Serbian legend, a ten-time champion in Melbourne, remains one of the sport’s greatest competitors, but questions about his current form and physical readiness continue to surface. Adding an experienced voice to the discussion, former Australian player and Wimbledon champion Pat Cash has offered a measured assessment of Djokovic’s chances at the year’s first Grand Slam.
Cash, known for his straightforward analysis, emphasized that Djokovic’s greatest strength has always been his ability to adapt. Throughout his career, Djokovic has repeatedly proven that he can find solutions when faced with tactical or physical challenges. According to Cash, that problem-solving instinct is still present, making Djokovic a dangerous opponent regardless of age or circumstances. However, the former Australian star believes the key issue heading into Melbourne is preparation.
One of the main questions Cash raised is whether Djokovic has played enough competitive matches in the lead-up to the tournament. Match sharpness has often been crucial to Djokovic’s success in Australia, where long rallies and physical endurance are tested over two demanding weeks. Cash also wondered whether Djokovic has trained sufficiently or if he is deliberately managing his workload to conserve energy exclusively for matches. While such a strategy may preserve the body, it also carries risks, particularly against younger, high-intensity opponents.
Cash suggested that Djokovic’s current challenge is not about talent or experience, but about sustainability across the latter stages of a Grand Slam. The Australian Open typically requires a player to navigate multiple five-set battles against elite competition. In Cash’s view, asking Djokovic to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in consecutive five-set matches may simply be too much at this stage of his career.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner represent the new generation that has already proven capable of matching, and at times surpassing, Djokovic’s level. They bring relentless pace, physicality, and confidence, attributes that can push even the most seasoned champions to their limits. Cash was clear in his assessment that this is where Djokovic’s biggest obstacle lies. While Djokovic may still be able to outthink and outmaneuver most of the field, dealing with two such opponents back-to-back over extended matches is a different proposition.
Despite these concerns, Cash did not dismiss Djokovic’s chances entirely. He acknowledged that the Serbian star remains more than capable of making a deep run in Melbourne, potentially reaching the semifinals once again. Djokovic’s mental strength, tactical awareness, and unmatched experience at the Australian Open could still carry him past many challenges.
However, Cash also pointed out that this scenario feels increasingly familiar. In recent seasons, Djokovic has shown flashes of his old dominance, only to encounter physical or tactical limitations when facing the very top tier in the closing rounds. According to Cash, that pattern may repeat itself in 2026 unless everything aligns perfectly.
Ultimately, Cash’s analysis paints a balanced picture. Djokovic is still a formidable force, capable of brilliance and resilience, but the margins at the very top have narrowed. At the 2026 Australian Open, the question may not be whether Djokovic can compete, but whether his body and preparation will allow him to overcome the sport’s rising stars when it matters most.