Novak Djokovic withdraws from Qatar Open with an elbow injury
Saturday 30 December 2017 16:31, UK
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Qatar Open with an elbow injury placing a serious doubt over his participation in the Australian Open.
The Serbian has been sidelined for the last six months and was unable to play in an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi on Friday when an elbow injury flared up.
Djokovic's will await scan results with the Australian Open starting on January 15 in Melbourne.
He said in a statement on his personal website: "Unfortunately, the situation with the elbow has not changed for the better since yesterday. I still feel the pain. Therefore, I will have to withdraw from the ATP tournament in Doha."
Djokovic added: "After thorough consultations with the medical team, we decided to keep up with the therapies and elbow treatments.
"Only when I'm 100 per cent ready to play, will I be able to come back. I hope it will be soon. I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
Djokovic has not played a competitive match since Wimbledon in the summer, and had been due to face Roberto Bautista Agut in Abu Dhabi on Friday before pulling out.
We'll be back in 2018 with coverage from the Australian Open on www.skysports.com/tennis with news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis.
On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Who will win the Australian Open? Have your say...
