Adelaide International 2026 Set to Shine with Novak Djokovic, Top Tennis Stars, and Wheelchair Tennis, Boosting Sports Tourism to New Heights
Published on
December 16, 2025
The Adelaide International 2026 is poised to become one of the most anticipated sports tourism events of the year, attracting tennis enthusiasts from around the world. From 12 to 17 January, Adelaide will play host to a star-studded lineup of top-tier players, with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic leading the charge. As the tournament enters its third year in South Australia, the event promises to bring world-class tennis and a significant tourism boost to the city.
The Draw of Global Tennis Stars
The presence of Novak Djokovic, the world No. 4 and record-holder for the most Grand Slam men’s singles titles, is expected to draw significant attention to the Adelaide International 2026. With 10 Australian Open titles to his name and the distinction of holding the No. 1 ranking for 428 weeks—the longest in history—Djokovic is a major draw for international tennis fans.
In addition to Djokovic, the men’s competition will feature a strong lineup, including world No. 10 Jack Draper, Greek tennis sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, among others. The women’s competition will also be packed with top talent, including Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Mirra Andreeva, ensuring that the tournament appeals to a wide range of tennis fans. This blend of established champions and rising stars will offer thrilling action for visitors.
Wheelchair Tennis: A Commitment to Inclusivity
In 2026, the Adelaide International will introduce the ITF 500 Australian Wheelchair International – Adelaide (Quad) tournament, marking a significant step forward for inclusive sports tourism in the region. From 15 to 17 January, wheelchair tennis players, including four-time Australian Open quad doubles champion Heath Davidson, will compete for top honours. Davidson’s participation highlights the growing importance of wheelchair tennis and further emphasizes the Adelaide International’s commitment to broadening its appeal to all tennis fans.
A Boost for Adelaide’s Tourism and Economy
The Adelaide International’s growing popularity as a premier sports tourism event is already evident, with over 20,000 tickets sold ahead of the tournament. The event’s ability to attract fans from around the world not only contributes to Adelaide’s tourism sector but also supports the local economy, particularly in terms of accommodation, dining, and retail. The tournament’s venue, The Drive, is expected to be a focal point for both local residents and international visitors, providing an exciting destination for sports enthusiasts.
Adelaide’s tourism sector has experienced a significant boost in recent months, with major events like the bp Adelaide Grand Final and Metallica concert pushing hotel room occupancy to record levels. In November 2025, over 9,600 rooms were occupied each night, an all-time high. Forward booking data for the period surrounding the Adelaide International indicates that hotel occupancy will remain strong, with 83% occupancy projected during the tournament—nearly double the occupancy rate of the same period in 2024.
This increase in hotel bookings is a clear indicator of the growing appeal of Adelaide as a sports tourism destination, with the Adelaide International playing a key role in driving these positive trends.
Government Support and Local Pride
The Adelaide International’s continued success is supported by the South Australian Government, which recognizes the event’s importance in positioning Adelaide as a key player on the global sports tourism stage. The South Australian Tourism Commission has been instrumental in ensuring that the Adelaide International remains a major fixture on the Australian Summer of Tennis calendar.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, underscored the significance of such events in enhancing Adelaide’s reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events. Bettison noted that the tournament’s ability to attract high-profile players like Novak Djokovic is a testament to Adelaide’s standing as a world-class venue for sports tourism.
A Global Sports Tourism Magnet
The Adelaide International has firmly established itself as one of the must-visit events on the Australian Summer of Tennis calendar. Tournament Director Alicia Molik highlighted the tournament’s growth and increasing prestige, with 2026 expected to feature an exciting mix of seasoned champions, Olympic medallists, and rising stars. The continued success of the tournament reflects Adelaide’s emerging status as a leading destination for global sports tourism.
Tennis Australia’s Chief of Events, Stephen Farrow, echoed Molik’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Adelaide in the broader Australian tennis landscape. The tournament offers an ideal setting for players to prepare for the Australian Open, and its growing international appeal positions Adelaide as a key stop for tennis fans and athletes alike.
Enhancing South Australia’s Sports Tourism Culture
The Adelaide International’s expansion into wheelchair tennis further enhances the region’s sports tourism offerings. The inclusion of the Australian Wheelchair Championships in the 2026 edition speaks to the growing demand for accessible sports experiences and the tournament’s commitment to inclusivity. Heath Davidson’s excitement to compete in Adelaide reflects the broader trend towards making tennis more inclusive for all athletes, contributing to the city’s reputation as a progressive and welcoming sports tourism destination.
The introduction of wheelchair tennis also aligns with South Australia’s broader sports tourism strategy, which focuses on making the region more accessible to diverse audiences. By expanding the tournament to include athletes from all backgrounds, Adelaide continues to set itself apart as a city that values diversity and inclusion within the sports tourism sector.
Looking Ahead: A Thriving Sports Tourism Destination
As the Adelaide International continues to grow, it not only promises a memorable experience for tennis fans but also helps to solidify Adelaide’s place as a premier destination for sports tourism. With world-class players, exciting new additions like wheelchair tennis, and strong ticket sales, the 2026 edition is set to be a highlight of the Australian Summer of Tennis.
The event is expected to inspire local fans and aspiring tennis players, fostering a deeper connection between Adelaide and the global tennis community. As the tournament evolves, it will continue to play a vital role in South Australia’s vibrant sports culture, attracting more visitors, boosting the local economy, and further establishing Adelaide as a key hub for international sporting events.
[Image Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission]
