Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Wrist Injury

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a persistent wrist injury, tournament organizers announced Wednesday. The 36-year-old Serbian star, who holds the record for most Grand Slam titles with 24, has been managing the injury since his recent practice sessions in Monte Carlo.

The withdrawal comes as a significant blow to the Dubai tournament, where Djokovic was the defending champion and top seed. Tournament director Salah Tahlak expressed disappointment but understanding, stating that player health must always take priority. The injury concern adds to speculation about Djokovic's fitness heading into the crucial clay court season, which begins in earnest next month.

Djokovic's medical team has recommended a two-week rest period to allow the inflammation in his right wrist to subside completely. The injury first appeared during his training block in Serbia following his early exit from the Australian Open in January. Despite receiving treatment from his longtime physiotherapist, the discomfort has persisted, affecting his serve motion and backhand preparation.

This marks the second consecutive year Djokovic has dealt with injury concerns during the early part of the season. Last year, a similar issue with his elbow forced him to modify his tournament schedule, though he still managed to win three Grand Slam titles. His team remains optimistic that the current setback will not significantly impact his preparations for the French Open in May.

The withdrawal means Djokovic will miss valuable match practice on hard courts before the season transitions to clay. However, his coach Goran Ivanisevic emphasized that long-term health takes precedence over short-term results. Djokovic is expected to return to competitive action at the Indian Wells Masters in March, where he will begin his buildup toward defending his French Open title. The tennis world will be watching closely to see how the injury affects the former world number one's bid to extend his Grand Slam record even further.