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Novak Djokovic: injury concerns force withdrawal from action in Doha

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 is out of action at the the Qatar ExxonMobil Open this week. He withdraws, citing the same lingering elbow injury as the reason.

Novak Djokovic is withdrawing from another tournament this week.

The Serbian tennis star cites his lingering elbow injury as the reason for his withdrawal from action in Doha. He is the two-time defending champion at the event but continues to rehab his elbow as he prepares for the 2018 ATP World Tour.

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With play at the Australian Open right around the corner, Djokovic is cutting it down to the wire when it comes to making his return. Fans would love to see the former world No. 1 in action at Melbourne Park but that appears as though it will be a last minute decision.

Novak Djokovic is a six-time champion at the Australian Open.

Last week, Andy Murray replaced Djokovic at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. While Murray dropped the one-set singles match against Roberto Bautista Agut, he too is slowly making a return to the ATP World Tour.

All eyes are on both former world No. 1’s as they decide whether or not they are ready for action at the 2018 Australian Open. Having last appeared in play at Wimbledon, Djokovic remains steadfast in his not wanting to return until he is one hundred percent ready to go. As injuries plagued many throughout the 2017 ATP World Tour, there is no doubt that the Serbian tennis star is considering all aspects of his return right now. When he is healthy, Djokovic is one of the greatest to ever play men’s singles tennis.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Players

The next several days will shed light on Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP World Tour. If he is not ready to go for action at Melbourne Park, Roger Federer must be considered the heavy favorite to win the title. Current world No. 1 Rafael Nadal has also seen recent injuries crop up. With he, Djokovic, and Murray all up in the air as of right now, Federer and several young rising stars in the sport can make deep runs at the Australian Open. Last year, Federer defeated Nadal in a a five-set epic to earn the title. Stay tuned to see if Djokovic can bounce back in the coming weeks. Check back for updates on all of the early action on the 2018 ATP World Tour.

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