World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s ATP 500 China Open in Beijing due to an elbow injury.
Djokovic has a perfect match record in the Chinese capital and has won the China Open six times including last year’s edition. His last match was at the US Open final in New York where he was beaten by Stan Wawrinka.
Djokovic’s next scheduled tournament is the Shanghai Masters which begins on October 10.
“I am extremely disappointed not to be able to compete at the China Open this year,” the 12-time Grand Slam champion said.
“I’m still recovering from my elbow injury and have been advised not to play until my condition improves.”
“I will continue with my rehabilitation and hope to be able to return to the ATP Tour as soon as possible.”
Andy Murray, the Olympics and Wimbledon champion, will take the top seeding at the tournament which begins on Monday.
