Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Wrist Injury

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, citing a recurring wrist injury that has been bothering him since the Australian Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal comes as a significant blow to the ATP 500 event and raises questions about his fitness heading into the crucial North American hard court swing.

The Serbian superstar, who reached the semifinals at Melbourne Park last month before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, revealed that the wrist issue has been persistent since that match. Medical scans conducted in Belgrade last week showed inflammation in the ligaments, requiring extended rest and treatment.

"I am disappointed to announce my withdrawal from Dubai," Djokovic said in a statement released by tournament organizers. "This wrist injury has been bothering me more than I initially thought, and my medical team has advised me to take the necessary time to heal properly. The last thing I want is to aggravate the injury further."

Djokovic's absence from Dubai leaves a significant void in the draw, where he was the defending champion and top seed. The 36-year-old had been looking to extend his remarkable record at the tournament, where he has won five titles including last year's emotional victory that saw him dedicate the trophy to his late mentor, coach Goran Ivanisevic's father.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak expressed understanding while acknowledging the impact on the event. "Novak's health comes first, and we fully support his decision to prioritize his recovery," Tahlak said. "While we're disappointed not to have our defending champion, we have an incredibly strong field that will deliver fantastic tennis for our fans."

The withdrawal raises concerns about Djokovic's participation in the upcoming Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open, two of the sport's most prestigious events outside the Grand Slams. Both tournaments begin in early March, giving the former world No. 1 limited time to recover and regain match fitness.

Djokovic's representatives indicated that he plans to use the time off for intensive rehabilitation with his physiotherapy team in Belgrade. The injury is not expected to require surgery, but the recovery timeline remains uncertain. "Novak is committed to returning stronger and will not rush back until he's 100% ready," his spokesman said.

With Djokovic out, second seed Daniil Medvedev becomes the highest-ranked player in Dubai, while rising star Carlos Alcaraz and Australian Open champion Sinner are expected to be among the main contenders for the title.