|
The injury is the latest setback for Djokovic, who has
suffered a drop in form since completing a sweep of the grand
slam titles at last year's French Open.
"My doctor has strongly advised against play because my elbow
injury, that I keep carrying on for months, got worse in the
past week," Djokovic said on the tournament's website.
"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. Sadly, I won't be able to defend my title in Miami
this week."
Djokovic, who has won a record-tying six titles in Miami, joins
world number one Andy Murray on the sidelines of the hardcourt
event as the latter withdrew on Saturday, also citing a right
elbow injury.
The 29-year-old Serb was beaten by Nick Kyrgios last week in the
fourth round at Indian Wells, marking his second loss to the
Australian in less than two weeks.
Djokovic described it as "shocking" that he would have to miss
the March 20-April 2 Miami event, where he won his first Masters
event before making his ascent toward the top of the world
rankings.
"No wonder they say that in sport the biggest and most painful
defeats come from injuries, and not from opponents," said
Djokovic.
"I am lucky that throughout my career I didn't have many
injuries, but I guess that all that I've been through physically
in the past so many years did leave a mark on my body."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Andrew Both)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
