In the men's tennis calendar, March can be reduced to 2 significant stops, Indian Wells and miami. After a nearly 2 weeks run, the first one will have its final conclusion during the following hours or so with Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka fighting for the trophy. Novak Djokovic, the defending champion at Indian Wells, was put into submission earlier this week by Nick Kyrgios. For Djokovic, it seems that bad news won't stop coming anytime soon. The Serb was set to play next week in Miami, also a Masters 1000 event he won back in 2016.
A lingering injury spoils the party
It would have been a great chance for Djokovic to successfully defend his title in Miami, a moral burst he desperately needs. But, the payback time won't come that soon as Djokovic earlier today went with a public statement on his official Facebook page announcing that due to an elbow injury he was forced to withdrew from Miami. According to the statement, Djokovic's elbow-related injury has been a longtime nightmare over the past months. It also gives a plausible explanation to his latest tennis court appearances.
A certain degree of brittleness on his game was quite obvious at Indian Wells. His statement also includes his eagerness to regain his tremendous pace that shocked the world not so long ago.
In Miami, Djokovic was undefeated since 2013 having won the last 3 editions. Overall, his winning record in Miami includes 6 titles in men's singles. Going back to his roots, back in 2007, the no. 1 Serb player took his maiden Masters title in the very same place.
Djokovic will jump straight into the clay session
Djokovic's injury means that the Serb is likely to return on the professional tennis circuit when the entire herd will sniff into the nostrils the dusty air of the European clay courts.
Clay is perhaps the most challenging surfaces of all, so that means a bigger input of energy must be put on the bidding table from all those involved. Being forced to cut off his schedule, Djokovic could face bigger problems if his physical abilities will get rusty.
You could see below Novak Djokovic's complete statement.
