Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Wrist Injury

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a lingering wrist injury, tournament organizers announced today. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was set to be the top seed at the ATP 500 event but will instead focus on recovery ahead of the upcoming hardcourt swing.

The Serbian star first experienced discomfort in his right wrist during practice sessions in Belgrade earlier this week. Medical scans revealed minor inflammation that, while not serious, requires rest to prevent further complications. Djokovic's team made the decision to withdraw as a precautionary measure.

"I'm disappointed to miss Dubai, as it's always been one of my favorite tournaments," Djokovic said in a statement. "The fans there are incredible, and I have so many great memories from playing in the UAE. However, my medical team and I feel this is the right decision for my long-term health."

The withdrawal comes at a crucial time in the tennis calendar, with the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and the Miami Open approaching in March. These Masters 1000 events are traditionally important preparation tournaments for the European clay court season and eventually Roland Garros.

Djokovic's absence from Dubai opens up the draw significantly, with Carlos Alcaraz now likely to receive the top seeding. The young Spanish star has been in excellent form this season, winning his opening tournament in Buenos Aires and reaching the semifinals in Rio de Janeiro last week.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak expressed his disappointment but understanding of the decision. "While we're obviously disappointed that Novak can't join us this year, we completely support his decision to prioritize his health. We look forward to welcoming him back to Dubai when he's fully recovered."

This marks the second consecutive year that Djokovic has dealt with injury concerns early in the season. Last year, he missed several tournaments due to a hamstring issue sustained at the Australian Open, though he recovered to win two Grand Slam titles.

The Dubai Championships begin on Monday, February 17th, with qualifying matches starting this weekend. Djokovic's next scheduled appearance is expected to be at Indian Wells, which begins on March 6th, though his participation will depend on his recovery progress over the coming weeks.