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Former US Open champion backs Novak Djokovic to win a Grand Slam in 2026

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 7:58 PM ET

Novak Djokovic has suffered a frustrating start to his 2026 season, having withdrawn from the Adelaide International.

Djokovic was set to start another ATP Tour campaign in Adelaide, but the veteran admitted he isn’t physically ready for the event.

It arrives in the calendar shortly before the Australian Open in Melbourne, the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season.

With 10 titles, Djokovic boasts more Australian Open triumphs than any other man, with the Serbian also top of the all-time Grand Slam list.

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Marin Cilic backs Novak Djokovic for Grand Slam title in 2026

His last Grand Slam title arrived in 2023, but former US Open champion Marin Cilic is predicting a return to such glory this season.

When asked by Tennis TV for his bold prediction for 2026, Cilic said: “Bold prediction for 2026, Novak is going to win one of the four [Grand Slams].”

Along with his superb triumph at the 2014 US Open, the Croatian reached the 2017 Wimbledon final and 2018 Australian Open final.

After defeating Kei Nishikori in New York, iconic figure Cilic lost to Roger Federer in both London and Melbourne.

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How did Novak Djokovic perform in the 2025 Grand Slams?

ATP superstars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have denied every player from Grand Slam success in recent years.

The Italian and the Spaniard combined to win all four Grand Slams in 2024, and achieved the same feat in 2025.

Djokovic is incidentally the last man other than the two to win a Grand Slam, when he beat Daniil Medvedev in the 2023 US Open final.

He claimed three of the four Grand Slam titles that season, as well as losing the Wimbledon final to Alcaraz.

Last time out, the 38-year-old impressively reached the semifinals of all four tournaments, and simply cannot be ruled out of a record 25th title in 2026.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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