ABU DHABI, December 29, 2017
On the advice of his medical team, Novak Djokovic, has withdrawn from the 10th Edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC). Spectators will instead be treated to a one-set exhibition match from three-time Grand Slam winner, Andy Murray against Roberto Bautista Agut at 7pm.
Winner of 45 singles titles, Murray, who recently arrived in Abu Dhabi to train ahead of the Australian Open, will play Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who won his match on day one of the Championship, brushing aside 20-year-old Russian Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-2.
“I am terribly disappointed that I am forced to withdraw from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Unfortunately, in the past few days I started to feel pain in the elbow and after several tests, my medical team has advised me not to risk anything, to withdraw from the tournament and to immediately continue with the therapies,” Djokovic stated on his official website.
“I am very sad as I was eager to return to playing official matches. I enjoyed the practices and everything I did to get ready for the start of the season, including the tournament in Abu Dhabi, where I always enjoy playing. Now I need to accept this situation, and to wait for the results of the therapies, in order to start playing tennis again and getting back to full rhythm. This might affect the start of the season and the tournament plan, but the decision will be made in the following days.”
I am terribly disappointed that I am forced to withdraw from the Mubadala World Tennis Classic. Thank you all for your support 🙏 https://t.co/2ZhtrADXzl
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) 29. Dezember 2017
John Lickrish, CEO at FLASH Entertainment said, “Unfortunately injuries are a common occurrence in professional sports and the player’s wellbeing must always be a priority. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the court soon. Fans can still look forward to some great tennis action as Andy Murray, winner of two gold medals and three Grand Slam titles, takes on Bautista Agut tonight.”
