Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open, citing fatigue as the reason for his withdrawal.
Tournament organisers confirmed the news on Wednesday, with the Serbian opting to rest rather than make his first competitive appearance since Melbourne.
The 38-year-old reached his 11th Australian Open final last month, where he fell to world number one Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.
Despite claiming the opening set, Djokovic was unable to prevent the Spaniard from completing his career Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Qatar Open through fatigue
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GETTYThe decision means the world number three will miss potential rematches against both Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in Doha.
Djokovic has increasingly adopted a careful approach to his tournament calendar in recent seasons, prioritising the sport’s biggest events over regular ATP competitions.
The veteran has been skipping numerous tour events to conserve his energy for Grand Slam tournaments as he chases a record-extending 25th major title.
Following Wimbledon last year, he acknowledged the mounting physical toll of competing at the highest level.
“I guess playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically,” Djokovic said. “The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets.”
Novak Djokovic was outgunned by Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final
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GETTYWith no ranking points to defend in Doha, his world number three position remains unaffected by this withdrawal.
The Serbian is anticipated to return for the North American hard-court swing, with Indian Wells or the Miami Open his likely next destination.
The prestigious Indian Wells Masters 1000 event runs from 1-15 March, giving Djokovic over a month to recuperate following his Melbourne exertions.
He has been candid about the challenges of facing younger opponents while managing his body.
“I reach the semis of every Slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz. These guys are fit, young, sharp,” Djokovic admitted. “I feel like I’m going into the match with the tank half empty.”
Novak Djokovic offered a message of support to protesters in Serbia
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REUTERSDjokovic’s withdrawal follows political controversy surrounding his post-match comments at the Australian Open.
After losing the final, he offered a message of support to protesters in Serbia, saying: “A message for our people in Serbia: justice and truth always win. Let them persevere.”
These remarks, which alluded to demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic’s regime, drew fierce criticism from Serbia’s former deputy prime minister.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Open will proceed with a strong field despite the Serbian’s absence. Alcaraz and Sinner will headline the ATP 500 hard-court event as the top two seeds when action begins on Monday.
