Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Elbow Injury

Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Dubai Tennis Championships due to an elbow injury, tournament organizers announced on Tuesday evening. The withdrawal comes as a significant blow to the prestigious ATP 500 event, which was set to begin next week.

Djokovic, who recently claimed his record-extending 11th Australian Open title last month, reported experiencing discomfort in his right elbow during practice sessions in Dubai earlier this week. After consultation with his medical team and tournament physicians, the decision was made to prioritize his long-term health over immediate competition.

"I'm disappointed to withdraw from Dubai, a tournament that has always been special to me," Djokovic said in a statement. "The elbow has been bothering me for the past few days, and my team and I believe the prudent decision is to take some time for proper recovery rather than risk a more serious injury."

The Serbian star has a storied history at the Dubai Tennis Championships, having won the title five times, most recently in 2023. His withdrawal leaves the field wide open for other top contenders, including defending champion Daniil Medvedev and rising star Carlos Alcaraz.

Tournament Director Salah Tahlak expressed understanding for Djokovic's decision while acknowledging the disappointment. "We fully support Novak's decision to prioritize his health. While we're sad not to have him compete this year, we look forward to welcoming him back when he's fully recovered."

This marks the second tournament withdrawal for Djokovic in 2026, following his absence from the Rotterdam Open last week. The 38-year-old has been managing his schedule carefully as he continues competing at the highest level, focusing on peak fitness for the most important events on the calendar.

Djokovic is expected to return to competition at the Indian Wells Masters next month, where he will look to defend his title and continue his pursuit of further Grand Slam glory. His next major target remains the French Open, where he hopes to capture his fourth Roland Garros title.