Miami Open: Novak Djokovic joins Andy Murray in pulling out with elbow injury
World number two Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week’s Miami Open because of an elbow injury.
The 29-year-old Serb is the second big name to withdraw from the event, after world number one Andy Murray did likewise for the same reason.
Defending champion Djokovic apologised to fans who had bought tickets to see him play in Miami.
He lost to Australian Nick Kyrgios in straight sets in the last 16 at Indian Wells last week.
“My doctor has strongly advised against play because my elbow injury, that I keep carrying on for months, got worse in the past week,” he said.
“I will do everything in my power to recover and do all the necessary therapy to be able to return on court as soon as possible.”
Briton Murray will extend his lead at the top of the world rankings to more than 4,000 points as Djokovic will lose the points he earned from winning in Miami last year.
The Scot will lead the Serb by 3,090 points on Monday – but that will increase to more than 4,045 points at the beginning of next month.