World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been forced to withdraw from next week's China Open in Beijing due to an elbow injury.
“I am very sad not to be able to compete at the China Open this year. I am still recovering from my elbow injury and have been advised not to play tournaments until my condition improves and allows me to compete. I will continue with my rehabilitation and hope to be able to return to the ATP World Tour as soon as possible,” Djokovic said. “The China Open is one of my favourite tournaments. I have had a lot of success there, winning the title six times. I love competing in front of the passionate Chinese fans, and I look forward to coming back to Beijing in the future.”
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The six-time China Open champion owns a perfect 29-0 record at the ATP World Tour 500 tournament in the Chinese capital.
Charles Hsiung, China Open Tournament Director, said: “Novak is a fan favourite in Beijing and a tremendous champion at the China Open. It is unfortunate that he will not be able to defend his title this year due to injury. We wish him a successful recovery and look forward to seeing him on tour again soon, maintaining his position as World No. 1.”
The China Open begins on Monday 3 Oct. Click here to go to the tournament website.