Joao Fonseca doubtful for Australian Open after withdrawing from Adelaide International
NewsSaturday, 10 January 2026 at 18:05
The 2026 Australian Open could be missing one of tennis's biggest young stars after Joao Fonseca announced his withdrawal from the 2026 Adelaide International.
Fonseca has struggled with a lower back injury since the closing stages of 2024. That issue forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Next Gen Finals, robbing the event of some of its prestige as a showcase for the ATP's best young talent.
The Brazilian initially planned to start his season at the 2026 Brisbane International, but decided not to play there because of that physical issue. Daniil Medvedev and Brandon Nakashima reached the final of that tournament.
Fonseca announced in a press conference that he also cannot compete at the Adelaide International as he continues his recovery. His goal is to be fit for the Australian Open, which starts on January 18th.
"Unfortunately, I'm not able to play here. It's difficult to make this decision. I felt those days that we were practising, every day feeling a little bit better, but it's difficult to say that I'm a hundred per cent."
"We are trying our best to recover a hundred per cent to play the Australian Open, which is our main goal. That decision is not made. We want to play, we think that it's going to be possible. So we want to focus on the recovery, and unfortunately I couldn't play here, and I hope to come back stronger next year."
Last year's Argentina Open winner also revealed that back issues have been something he has dealt with for a long time, despite being just 19. That included sustaining a stress fracture five years ago.
"I was born with something in my back, and sometimes it's more tight. I had a stress fracture five years ago, but it's something that it's going to be in my body, so I need to deal with it. I'm just trying my best to recover. We did a MRI, and it's nothing very serious, but can be serious, so we want to be a hundred per cent to play."
Although Fonseca will give everything to be ready for the opening Grand Slam of the season, his likelihood of making it is uncertain at this stage. The passionate Brazilian fans who cheer him on at events worldwide will desperately hope he makes it.
Novak Djokovic withdrew from the 2026 Adelaide International
Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic planned to prepare for this year's tournament in Melbourne by appearing at the Adelaide International. Many players do not like competing the week before a Grand Slam, but Djokovic did this at the 2025 Geneva Open before the 2025 French Open.
Unfortunately for the organizers, Djokovic withdrew from the Adelaide International. The 38-year-old said that he was not ready to play yet after the off-season and would use the remaining time to get ready for the Australian Open.
Djokovic is also not on Serbia's Davis Cup team for the tie against Chile, which is scheduled a few days after the Australian Open. The tennis legend's focus on winning an unprecedented 25th Major title is evident.
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