Novak eyes Indian Wells return and a shot at a historic prize milestone
novak is set to return to action at the Indian Wells Masters in March after a remarkable run at the 2026 Australian Open, and he approaches the event with career prize money of $192, 688, 360—pushing toward a $200 million milestone that would reshape records.
Novak’s immediate schedule: Indian Wells, then Miami
The 38-year-old arrives at Indian Wells this March as he resumes tournament play after the Australian Open. He is set to follow Indian Wells with the Miami Open, where he enjoyed a run to the final last year but lost that final against Jakub Mensic. At Indian Wells last year, he exited in his first match to Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp.
Australian Open run: retirements, a five-set classic, and a four-set final
Djokovic’s passage through the 2026 Australian Open combined dominant play with fortunate breaks. He opted not to play any official tournaments in the lead-up to Melbourne and arrived at the Happy Slam in what coverage described as peak condition, navigating the first week with clinical efficiency. He benefited from the retirements of Jakub Mensik in the round of 16 and Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals he faced world No. 2 Jannik Sinner and prevailed in a gripping five-set battle. He ultimately fell to Carlos Alcaraz in a hard-fought four-set final. Before this run, he had not reached a Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024, and in 2025 he made the semifinals at all four Majors.
Prize money totals and the $200 million chase
As of February 27, 2026, Djokovic’s career prize money stood at $192, 688, 360. Last year he earned $5, 127, 247 in prize money, including $1, 435, 985 from his run to the final of the Australian Open last month. Those recent results have pushed him close to the $200 million barrier; he may need to add another Grand Slam title to reach that total. Commentary in coverage noted that this could be his final season in the sport and that he may be in a race against time to get to that milestone, though it is also said that prize money has not been a priority for him for many years.
Comments on money and privacy from Piers Morgan Uncensored interview
In a November 2025 interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 24-time Grand Slam winner was asked about his net worth. Djokovic replied, “I don’t like to talk about it, Pierce. I don’t like it. I’m north of one million (smiling). ” The interviewer guessed “at least three to 400 million. ” Djokovic answered, “Maybe. Maybe more. We live in a very materialistic society nowadays. I’m just saying I’m not like that. I don’t like … you know my team and my agent you know we don’t want to give all the information to Forbes for example, how much I’m worth or what the investments are, you know it’s none of their business. Why should I disclose that? For what reason? There are things that are disclosed with price money obviously that people know about or contracts, but the other things, no [I won’t disclose that]. Money is very important and it does bring security, no doubt about it, and it is absolutely you know, one of the driving forces of the society of today. You cannot neglect the importance of money. But if money is the only thing you’re thinking about … I mean at least in my case and in my experience obviously I’m an athlete so for me it’s kind of a meritocracy model. If I win a tennis match or win a tournament I get rewarded. I g" (unclear in the provided context).
Serving, longevity and outside noise
Commentators have pointed to Djokovic’s serve as a key to his late-career competitiveness. Chris Eubanks, speaking on Andy Roddick’s podcast, said many players he has spoken with who have faced Djokovic highlight a part of his game that does not get discussed enough: his clutch serving. Eubanks added, “They say he is one of the most clutch servers ever! To see what it used to look like and what it is now is incredible. ” Coverage also noted that at nearly 39 Djokovic’s serve has become a weapon that helps him compete with younger rivals.
Other context: wealth ranks and political friction
Coverage mentioning the sport’s money lists noted Roger Federer as the second player to crack a $1 billion milestone among the richest tennis players. It was also stated that Djokovic received a blunt message from Serbia’s controversial president after a smear campaign; further details of that exchange are unclear in the provided context.
