Former ATP no. 1 Novak Djokovic to miss rest of 2017 season due to elbow injury

Due to an elbow injury that has limited him for over a year, former world no. 1 men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic announced on Wednesday that he will sit out the rest of the 2017 ATP season.

“All the doctors I’ve consulted, and all the specialists I have visited, in Serbia and all over the world, have agreed that this injury requires rest,” Djokovic said in a statement released on his official website. “A prolonged break from the sport is inevitable. I’ll do whatever it takes to recover. I will use the upcoming period to strengthen my body and also to improve certain tennis elements that I have not been able to work on over the past years, due to a demanding schedule.”

The 30-year old went on to explain how the injury has affected his play on the tennis court. 

“My elbow is hurt due to excessive playing, and it troubles me constantly when serving, and now when playing forehand as well,” Djokovic said. “Unfortunately, such injuries are often encountered in a professional sport, and I am very proud of the fact that I have been free from serious injuries during all these years. … My body has its limits, and I have to respect that and be grateful for all that I have achieved so far.”

Currently ranked no. 4 on the ATP tour, Djokovic has won 12 Grand Slam titles in his career, most recently the 2016 French Open. 

In addition to the injury update, Djokovic confirmed that Andre Agassi would continue to serve as his coach, after the American tennis legend joined up with the Serbian ahead of the 2017 French Open. 

“We’ve been speaking regularly,” Djokovic said of Agassi. “Andre was with me in Toronto and he helped me find doctors, specialists in treating elbow injuries. During this short period of time, we’ve been getting to know each other and building trust and understanding. He supports my decision to take a break, and remains my head coach. He is going to help me get back into shape and bounce back strong after the recovery period.”