Why Novak Djokovic fans are optimistic about 2026 season again after seeing his off-season practice pictures

Novak Djokovic has already started preparing for the 2026 tennis season, and a recent picture of the Serb caught his loyal fans' attention. The former No. 1, who finished the 2025 season as the fourth-ranked men's singles tennis player in the world, appeared in great physical shape in the picture. This sparked significant optimism in the 24-time Major champion's fans with regards to his chances of success next year.

Spanning the 2024 and 2025 seasons, there were several times when it seemed as if the negative effects of aging had finally caught up with the 38-year-old, particularly when he came up against either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. However, in a recent picture, the 101-time career singles titlist, wearing only a pair of shorts, looked in fine physical shape from top to bottom.

Novak Djokovic's fans on X (formerly Twitter), clearly impressed with how the Serb looked in the picture, were quick to voice their optimism.

"Good lord he's been working HARD. Haven't seen that ab definition in a couple of years 😲," one fan wrote. "Man looks so fit and healthy 🫡," another added. "Drop the snatched waist workout @DjokerNole," another fan chimed in. "Insane bod," one stated. "His body has changed so much in a month!," commented another. "Looks like a model now😀," weighed in yet another fan.

"I got a slap from reality in last couple of years" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic at the 2025 US Open (Source: Getty)

Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic sat down for an interview with Piers Morgan. At one point during the interview, the Serb explained how he is currently living a new chapter of life after a period where he thought he would keep steering clear of injuries and other physical struggles.

"I believe that to some extent I am the superman who can never injure myself, that can never be weak. But I got a slap from reality in the last couple of years. I’m just getting to know this new chapter," the 38-year-old said.

Going on to talk optimistically about his chances of registering wins over Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, particularly at the Majors, the World No. 4 added:

"I’m aware that (comparing) my best level now and their best level now, they’re better. That’s the reality. I have always believed in things that are almost impossible to achieve. I do have doubts that I can win Slams against these two guys. But when I enter the court, I don’t care who’s across the net. I always believe I’m better and I deserve to win."

In 2025, Djokovic reached the semis at all four Slams, but was beaten by either Alcaraz or Sinner in three of them.

Edited by Sudipto Pati