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Novak Djokovic: it’s official, out until 2018 ATP World Tour

By Harry Floyd

BELGRADE, SERBIA - JULY 26: Novak Djokovic speaks to the media during the press conference at Novak Tennis Center on July 26, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. Twelve-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has said he will not play again in 2017 because of an elbow injury. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - JULY 26: Novak Djokovic speaks to the media during the press conference at Novak Tennis Center on July 26, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. Twelve-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has said he will not play again in 2017 because of an elbow injury. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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Novak Djokovic makes it official by announcing his stepping away from the tour. The Serbian tennis superstar will miss the remainder of the 2017 ATP season.

Novak Djokovic will miss the remainder of the 2017 ATP World Tour. After struggling with a lingering elbow injury, the Serbian superstar has decided to step away in order to recover.

After retiring in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, Djokovic consulted with doctors and specialists to determine the extent of his injury. Here’s his official statement on the situation via his website.

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Djokovic was in noticeable pain during his quarterfinals match against Tomas Berdych. Interestingly enough, the world No. 4 had just recently won an ATP singles title at the Aegon International in Eastbourne. The amount of competitive play, however, proved to be too much for his elbow.

A twelve-time Grand Slam singles winner, Novak Djokovic plans to rest, recover, and come back healthier than ever.

If Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal can do it, so can Djokovic. The Swiss great bounced back this year after taking time away from the sport. He has earned two Grand Slam singles titles on the year with Nadal taking the other.

Related Story: Andy Murray rehabbing and preparing for US Open

As far as his recovery goes, the Serbian tennis star plans to rest and strengthen his body according to recommendations from doctors and specialists. It is not entirely clear as of yet whether or not he will require surgery. If he does need surgery, his time away from the court could be longer than expected.

The 2017 US Open will surely miss his presence on the court. World No. 1 Andy Murray is currently rehabbing a hip injury in hopes of competing at his highest possible level at the Grand Slam. He plans to play some tournaments leading up to the US Open.

It has been ten years since Novak Djokovic missed a major tournament.

For now, Djokovic has stated that Andre Agassi will remain his coach. The two are in regular communication. Time away from the court should serve the world No. 4 well.

He has already proven himself to be one of the greatest players in men’s singles tennis. The sport simply wants him to return in fantastic playing shape. Djokovic and his wife Jelena are also expecting their second child. The world No. 4 appeared  in high spirits with the media despite the news about him missing the remainder of the 2017 ATP World Tour. Stay tuned to see how his recovery goes.

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