Djokovic Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Injury Concerns

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week's Dubai Tennis Championships due to a minor wrist injury, tournament organizers announced today. The Serbian star's withdrawal comes as a surprise to many, given his strong start to the 2026 season.

Djokovic, who reached the semifinals of the Australian Open last month, has been dealing with discomfort in his right wrist following intensive training sessions in Monte Carlo. His team stated that the decision was made as a precautionary measure to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the crucial hard court swing in March.

'Novak is disappointed to miss Dubai, a tournament he has won five times,' said his coach Goran Ivanisevic. 'We felt it was better to take a week off now rather than risk a more serious injury that could affect the rest of his season. His focus remains on being 100% healthy for Indian Wells and Miami.'

The withdrawal opens up opportunities for other players in the strong Dubai field. World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz becomes the top seed, followed by Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner. The tournament has historically been a key warm-up event for the upcoming Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

Djokovic's absence also affects the ongoing race for the year-end No. 1 ranking. Currently trailing Jannik Sinner by 800 points, every tournament becomes crucial for the 24-time Grand Slam champion as he seeks to reclaim the top spot.

Meanwhile, the women's draw in Dubai continues to feature an exciting field led by world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who is looking to defend her title from last year. The Polish star has been in dominant form early this season, winning 15 of her last 16 matches.

Djokovic's team expects him to return for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, scheduled to begin March 6th. The 36-year-old has won the prestigious California tournament five times and will be eager to add to his record. His withdrawal from Dubai serves as a reminder of the physical demands of the tennis calendar, even for the sport's most experienced champions.

The Dubai Tennis Championships will continue without its biggest star, but the remaining field promises plenty of excitement as players vie for valuable ranking points and prize money in one of the tour's most popular destinations.