Novak Djokovic faces fresh uncertainty about when he will be able to start the new season after withdrawing from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on medical grounds.
The former world No.1 was set to play his first competitive match since Wimbledon after ending 2017 early due to an elbow injury. Taking on Roberto Bautista Agut in the semifinals of the exhibition event. He has been forced to pull out following the recurrence of pain in his elbow, which he had tests on earlier this week.
“I am terribly disappointed that I am forced to withdraw from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Unfortunately, in the past few days I started to feel pain in the elbow and after several tests, my medical team has advised me not to risk anything, to withdraw from the tournament and to immediately continue with the therapies,” said Djokovic.
In light of the setback, concerns have mounted about if he will be fit in time to start his new season. Djokovic is scheduled to defend his title at next week’s Qatar Open in Doha. The Serbian has a chance to become the first player in history to win the event for a third year in a row.
There has been no decision from the Djokovic camp about his presence in Doha, but a statement has indicated that he may change the plans for his return over the coming days.
“Now I need to accept this situation, and to wait for the results of the therapies, in order to start playing tennis again and getting back to full rhythm.” He explained.
“This might affect the start of the season and the tournament plan, but the decision will be made in the following days.”
Djokovic is the latest big name to withdraw from the World Tennis Championship. Rafael Nadal Nadal is still coping with the effects of a knee injury. Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic also withdrew to give them more time to recover from their injury absences.
Murray to make an appearance
In a bid to save the event, organisers in Abu Dhabi has announced that Andy Murray will take on Bautista Agut in a one-set exhibition match on Friday. The unexpected announcement gives the Brit a taste of where his current fitness lies following a six-month absence due to a hip injury.
Recent doubts have been cast over Murray’s fitness with one source from The Times claiming that he still experience issues with his hip. Forcing him to end his training session in Miami early. Although that hasn’t been confirmed by Murray’s camp.
The world No.1 has travelled to the UAE for another training stint ahead of his Australian summer campaign. He is set to play in next week’s Brisbane International, but it is unclear if he will be ready in time.
The match between Murray and Bautista Agut replaces the semifinal. Meaning Bautista Agut will automatically go into Saturday’s final regardless of if he wins or not.
