Even as Novak Djokovic approaches the twilight of his legendary career, the Serbian star remains a dominant force on the ATP Tour. Fresh off an impressive 2025 campaign—where he reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slams and claimed two ATP titles, bringing his career tally to 101—Djokovic is already setting his sights on the 2026 season.
Central to his preparation is the Australian Open, a tournament where Djokovic has historically enjoyed unparalleled success and continues to chase a record-breaking 25th major.
Ahead of the season, Djokovic confirmed he will compete at the Adelaide International as a warm-up to the first Grand Slam of the year. However, the off-season has also revealed a surprising development in his training routine.
Young French star joins Novak Djokovic on the court
Novak Djokovic has been working closely with 23-year-old French ATP player Arthur Cazaux, who shared a glimpse of their sessions on Instagram.
“Great 3 days of training, learning and sharing with @djokernole in the @atlantistheroyal. Very grateful,” Cazaux wrote, highlighting the valuable experience of working with a multiple-time Grand Slam champion.
The partnership is unexpected, given Cazaux’s relatively modest experience on the tour. 2025 marked a breakthrough year for the young Frenchman, who climbed to a career-high world ranking of 58. He reached his first ATP final in Kitzbuhel, overcoming notable players including Jan-Lennard Struff and Shanghai Masters finalist Arthur Rinderknech before falling to an in-form Alexander Bublik.
At the Grand Slam level, Cazaux made his mark with two wins, defeating Sebastian Baez at the Australian Open and Adam Walton at Wimbledon, signaling his rising potential and making him an intriguing training partner for Djokovic.
Strategic mentorship and preparation
The collaboration appears mutually beneficial. While Novak Djokovic hones his game ahead of another Australian Open run, Cazaux gains firsthand insight into the preparation, discipline, and mindset required at the highest level. Training alongside a player of Djokovic’s caliber provides the Frenchman with invaluable exposure to techniques and strategies that could elevate his game in 2026 and beyond.
As Djokovic continues to chase history and add to his Grand Slam legacy, his choice of training partners—like Cazaux—underscores his commitment to sharpening every aspect of his game while also contributing to the development of the next generation of tennis talent.
With the Australian Open just around the corner and the Adelaide International serving as a crucial tune-up, fans will be watching closely to see whether Novak Djokovic’s off-season efforts, including his sessions with Cazaux, translate into another dominant performance at the first Grand Slam of 2026.