Novak Djokovic is 38. Let that sink in for a second. In the world of elite, lung-busting professional tennis, that is basically ancient. Yet, here we are in January 2026, and the world is still obsessively tracking Novak Djokovic live tennis updates as he steps onto Rod Laver Arena for his 21st Australian Open. He’s the fourth seed now, a slight slip from the total dominance of years past, but don't let the number fool you.
He's still the guy nobody wants to see on their side of the draw.
Honestly, the narrative has shifted. It’s no longer about whether he can win; it’s about whether his body will let him. Last year, a hamstring injury derailed him in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev. This year? He looks lean, maybe a little more cautious in his movement, but the eyes—those terrifyingly focused eyes—haven’t changed a bit. He opens his campaign on Monday, January 19, against Spain's Pedro Martinez. It’s a night session. The lights will be bright, the crowd will be a mix of "Nole" chanters and people waiting for the changing of the guard, and Djokovic will be looking for his 100th match win in Melbourne.
Watching the GOAT: How to Catch Novak Djokovic Live Tennis
If you're trying to figure out where to watch him, it kind of depends on where you’re sitting. In the U.S., ESPN and ESPN2 are the main homes for the Australian Open, but the real MVP for die-hard fans is the ESPN App or ESPN+. They stream every single court. You can literally watch the practice courts if you're that dedicated.
For those in Australia, it’s a bit easier—Channel 9 and 9Now have the rights, which means free-to-air coverage for the locals. UK fans are stuck with TNT Sports on Discovery+.
- U.S. Viewers: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and Fubo (which offers a free trial if you're savvy).
- Australian Viewers: Channel 9 and the 9Now app.
- UK Viewers: TNT Sports / Discovery+.
- Global Fans: Many people use a VPN like NordVPN to access the Australian 9Now stream, which is a common trick for those traveling.
The first-round match against Martinez is scheduled as the final match of the evening session on Monday. If you're on the U.S. East Coast, you're looking at a very early Monday morning—probably around 4:00 AM or 5:00 AM.
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The 25th Slam: A Number That Haunts the Draw
Twenty-four. That’s where the count stands. He hasn't won a major since the 2023 US Open. Since then, it’s been the "Sinner and Alcaraz Show." Those two have split the last eight Grand Slams between them. It’s a legitimate duopoly. Djokovic himself admitted last year that beating those kids in a best-of-five format is getting "very difficult."
He’s not lying.
Jannik Sinner’s pace is relentless. Carlos Alcaraz’s variety is exhausting. Djokovic is playing a game of chess against opponents who are playing power-surge pinball. But he has one thing they don't: the memory of 10 Australian Open titles. He knows every crack in the court, every gust of wind that blows through the stadium at 11:00 PM.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Like a Final Act
There’s a lot of talk about retirement. Naturally. You can't be 38 in this sport and not have people asking "when?" every time you tie your shoes. Djokovic has been more candid lately. He’s moved his family to Athens. He’s playing a more limited schedule—only 13 events last year.
He’s basically stopped caring about the ATP rankings. He said it himself: he’s not playing for points anymore. He’s playing for history.
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Interestingly, he’s changed his tune about the "New Two." After the US Open last year, he sounded almost defeated, doubting if he could still hang with Alcaraz and Sinner. But during his pre-tournament presser in Melbourne this week, the fire was back. He told reporters, "When I'm healthy... I feel like I can beat anybody."
That’s the Novak we know. The one who thrives on being the underdog even when he’s the greatest to ever do it.
The Statistical Mountain
If he wins this Australian Open, he breaks a record that has stood for over 50 years. Ken Rosewall won a major at 37 years and one month back in 1972. Djokovic is currently 38 years and eight months. Winning now wouldn't just be another trophy; it would be a biological anomaly.
- Current Record in Melbourne: 99-10
- Career Hard Court Win %: 84.4% (Highest among active players)
- Recent Form: Champion in Athens (defeated Musetti), but lost to Alcaraz and Sinner in the late stages of 2025's Slams.
He’s becoming a specialist. He’s focusing on the best-of-three matches where he thinks his chances are higher, but the Slams remain the ultimate itch he needs to scratch.
What to Watch For in the Early Rounds
Martinez isn't a pushover, but he's not the threat. The threat is Djokovic’s own body. Look at his movement in the first two sets. Is he sliding comfortably on the hard court? Is he clutching that hamstring? In 2025, he had to retire in the semis because the body just gave out.
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If he gets through the first week without a five-setter, he’s dangerous.
The draw has placed him as the fourth seed, which is actually a blessing. It means he won’t see Sinner or Alcaraz until the semifinals. That’s the "Goldilocks" zone for Novak—enough time to build rhythm, but not so early that he’s playing a final in the second round.
Honestly, the most interesting part of Novak Djokovic live tennis right now isn't the winning. It’s the struggle. It’s watching a master try to find a way to beat time itself. He’s using more drop shots. He’s shortening points. He’s serving bigger to avoid long rallies. It’s a different version of the man who used to out-grind everyone from the baseline for six hours.
Actionable Tips for Following the Tournament
- Download the AO App: It's surprisingly good for live scores and "hidden" stats like shot quality.
- Check the Order of Play Daily: The Melbourne weather is erratic. Matches get pushed, roofs get closed, and "night sessions" can start at 10 PM or 7 PM depending on the women's matches.
- Watch the "Look In" on Tennis Channel: If you don't have the full ESPN+ subscription, Tennis Channel usually does a "Live from the Australian Open" show with highlights and live look-ins.
- Follow Live Blogs: Sites like The Guardian or the ATP Tour website offer point-by-point commentary that provides more context than a simple scoreboard.
Whether this is the beginning of the end or just another chapter in an impossible career, you don't want to miss the opening rounds. The era of the Big Three is technically over, but as long as Novak is in the draw, the "New Two" still have to pass one final, incredibly difficult test. He’s still here. He’s still loud. And he’s still the most dangerous man in Melbourne.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official ATP live rankings during the first week. If Djokovic drops sets early, his live ranking might fluctuate, but his "internal" ranking as the tournament favorite rarely moves. Watch the Martinez match not for the score, but for the fluidness of his serve—that’s the true tell of his fitness for 2026.