Novak Djokovic will not compete at the 2026 Qatar Open in Doha despite initially appearing on the entry list for the ATP 500 event.
Although Djokovic is already 38 years old and will turn 39 in May, he has planned a relatively busy schedule at the start of the 2026 season. The Serbian player initially signed up for the Adelaide International, but withdrew from the event as he wasn't healthy enough to compete.
The 24-time major winner saved himself for the Australian Open, and that proved to be a great decision, as he reached the final and even led after the first set against Carlos Alcaraz. Ultimately, Djokovic didn't have enough left in his tank to challenge the Spaniard and lost in four sets.
In 2025, Djokovic suggested that he might focus only on the majors, but he didn't follow that approach when signing up for the events at the start of this season. After the Australian Open, Djokovic appeared on the entry lists for the Qatar Open in Doha, the Indian Wells Open, and he's expected to appear on the Miami Open entry list as well.
Those plans have already changed. Djokovic will not compete at the Qatar Open in Doha, which runs from February 16th to 21st. The tournament organizers confirmed that Djokovic's withdrawal came as a result of fatigue.
"Novak Djokovic is pulling out of the Qatar Open due to strong fatigue. Qatar will miss you. Wishing you a speedy recovery."
Djokovic's next planned tournaments are now the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, jointly called the Sunshine Double. The Serbian is expected to appear in the United States.
Novak Djokovic plans to compete at the 2028 Olympics
Despite turning 39 this year, which means he will be 41 in 2028, Djokovic intends to defend his Olympic gold medal at the 2028 LA Olympics. Speaking for Corriere TV during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, Djokovic admitted that he plans to play at the Olympic Games in two years.
"Far away, yes. At this stage of my life and career, it’s far off, but obviously I have the desire to get there."
Djokovic also attended the opening ceremony at the Winter Olympics in Italy. It was his first, and the Serbian legend enjoyed it.
"A beautiful spectacle, as always. It’s always nice to be in Italy. Clearly, Italy is a country of sport. We expected a show, and that’s exactly what we saw. This was my first time at a Winter Olympics opening ceremony, and it was an emotional experience. I’m very happy to have shared this moment with my family."
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