Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Dubai Championships Due to Wrist Injury

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a persistent wrist injury, tournament organizers announced Friday. The Serbian star's withdrawal comes as a significant blow to the ATP 500 event, which was expecting one of its strongest fields in recent years.

Djokovic, who was set to be the top seed at the Dubai tournament, has been managing wrist discomfort since his Australian Open campaign in January. While the 36-year-old successfully defended his Melbourne title for a record-extending 11th time, sources close to his team indicate the injury has been bothering him more than initially disclosed.

"I am disappointed to announce my withdrawal from Dubai," Djokovic said in a statement. "The medical team has advised me that rest is necessary to ensure my wrist fully recovers. Dubai has always been one of my favorite tournaments, and I apologize to the fans and organizers for this late withdrawal."

The injury concern raises questions about Djokovic's preparation for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters 1000, scheduled to begin in early March. The California tournament represents one of the biggest events in the spring hard court season and is crucial for players building momentum toward the French Open.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak expressed understanding while acknowledging the disappointment. "While we're naturally disappointed to lose a player of Novak's caliber, we fully support his decision to prioritize his health. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Dubai in the future."

Djokovic's withdrawal paves the way for other top players to claim the title in Dubai. Second seed Daniil Medvedev now becomes the tournament favorite, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner also among the leading contenders. The Serbian's absence also creates an opportunity for emerging talents to make their mark on the ATP Tour.

This marks the first time Djokovic has withdrawn from Dubai since 2019, highlighting the severity of his current physical concerns. His team remains optimistic about his return to competition, with Indian Wells still nearly three weeks away, providing ample time for recovery and preparation.