Novak Djokovic will sit out the remainder of tennis season due to an elbow injury

Novak Djokovic will miss the rest of the 2017 ATP season due to a right elbow injury. He told reporters at a press conference in Belgrade he was forced to take a rest from playing in matches until the season concludes. Among other events, the Serbian tennis player will not participate in the US Open. Novak will use the rest of 2017 to convalescence and return in 2018 in great shape.

According to his website, Djokovic, 30, talked to doctors and specialists in Serbia and all over the world about the injury. They all told him he needs to rest his elbow. He said he will do whatever it takes to recover from his injury. Djokovic, a 12-time Grand Slam Champion, is confident he’ll be ready for next season.

“I will use the upcoming period to strengthen my body and also to improve certain tennis elements that I have not been able to work on over the past years, due to a demanding schedule,” Djokovic said. “Five months may seem long from this point, but I’m sure they will pass quickly because there is so much I want to do.”

Djokovic is slated to play a warm-up set before the 2018 Australian Open and will compete in tour-level completion when next season starts. He stressed that it is important for him to recover and play injury-free for as long as possible.

”Of course I want to return to the winning form, to win again, to win the trophies. But now it is not the time to talk about it. At this point, I’m focusing on recovery.”

Djokovic said his elbow hurts because of “excessive playing,” and it gives him problems when he serves the ball. He understands injuries do occur in professional sports, but he’s happy that he hasn’t endured serious injures over his lengthy career.

“I think I haven’t missed a single major event for more than 10 years, I’ve been reaching the final stages of the tournaments and playing at the highest level,” he said. “The remarkable series has come to an end. My body has its limits, and I have to respect that and be grateful for all that I have achieved so far.”

Djokovic will continue to work with his his teammates and head coach Andre Agassi. Agassi was with Djokovic in Toronto and helped him locate doctors who specialize in testing elbow injures.

“He supports my decision to take a break, and remains my head coach. He is going to help me get back into shape and bounce back strong after the recovery period,” Djokovic said.