The return of world No.1 Novak Djokovic to the ATP Tour has been delayed by another 24 hours at least after he withdrew from his doubles match on Sunday.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion was due to take to the court alongside Filip Krajinovic at the Western and Southern Open. However, tournament officials have confirmed he has pulled out of the upcoming match due to ‘neck pain.’ It is unclear as to what the severity of the pain is or how long he has been suffering with it. The Serbian website Sport Club has published a video of Djokovic having treatment on his neck during a practice session.
Despite the setback, Djokovic is still entered into the singles tournament where he will open his campaign against Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis in the second round on Monday. He received a bye in the first round. The top seed hasn’t played a competitive match since the Adria Tour in Croatia, which was cancelled due to a premature close due to an outbreak of COVID-19 among players and staff. There is currently no indication that Djokovic will pull out of his singles match.
The Western and Southern Open is the first ATP tournament getting underway following a five-month break due to the pandemic. Relocated to New York this year, the event serves as a warm-up for next week’s US Open where Djokovic is the title favourite after starting 2020 in blistering form. He won 18 matches and three titles in a row.
Djokovic and Krajinovic have been replaced in the draw by Nikola Cacic and Dusan Lajovic. They will take on Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul later today.
There is so far no statement from the Djokovic camp concerning his neck problem.
