Former world number one Novak Djokovic will not play again in 2017 due to a recurring elbow injury. Djokovic, a twelve-time Grand Slam winner, had to pull out of the Wimbledon tournament during his quarter-final match against Tomas Berdych on July 12. The Serbian player says he had been suffering because of this injury for the past 18 months and that could explain his on and off form during that period.
"Professionally this is not an easy decision for me, but I'm trying to look at the positive side," said Djokovic, the current world number four. Djokovic won the grass-court tournament in Eastbourne before Wimbledon, but that was his first crown since January. At the Australian Open he lost quite surprisingly to Denis Istomin, while at the French Open he was defeated by Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals.
"I want to play professional tennis for many years to come," Djokovic wrote in a message on his Facebook page. "All the doctors I've consulted, and all the specialists I have visited, in Serbia and all over the world, have agreed that this injury requires rest. A prolonged break from the sport is inevitable. I'll do whatever it takes to recover. My elbow is hurt due to excessive playing, and it troubles me constantly when serving, and now when playing forehand as well. My body has its limits, and I have to respect that and be grateful for all I have achieved so far. At the beginning of my career I was facing health issues, but over the years, and with a lot of patience and dedication, I found a solution. That's the approach I take to this situation, and I firmly believe I will come back stronger."
Without Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer is now the favourite to win the US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the season. Federer is 6/4 at Bet365 to win the US Open, while Rafael Nadal is 3/1 to win it.
sharpe
6 years ago
Yeah Djokovic needed that break not only physically but also mentally I think, it was obvious that he struggling mighty on the court and I believe after that he would come stronger. He sees how the long break reflected over Federer's performance and he should be quite hopeful because of that I'm sure. I hope he could...
Yeah Djokovic needed that break not only physically but also mentally I think, it was obvious that he struggling mighty on the court and I believe after that he would come stronger. He sees how the long break reflected over Federer's performance and he should be quite hopeful because of that I'm sure. I hope he could return for the US open if he feels his elbow better but I realize this is very unlikely.
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Markotik
6 years ago
And if I may add, Finally. I've read in his interviews that he planned to take a break even earlier, but he kept prolonging it. He obviously will need more time to fully recover. And it's also good news that Agassi will stay in the team, that's encouraging. This now it will be a very interesting race between Federer...
And if I may add, Finally. I've read in his interviews that he planned to take a break even earlier, but he kept prolonging it. He obviously will need more time to fully recover. And it's also good news that Agassi will stay in the team, that's encouraging. This now it will be a very interesting race between Federer and Nadal for the year-end number 1 spot, and they have no points to defend. The difference between Murray at #1 and Federer at #3 is around 1200 points only.
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