Injury forces Djokovic out of Rotterdam
Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week's ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, citing a shoulder injury.
Tournament director Richard Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon winner, revealed the bad news at the event which is also due to feature Swedish holder Robin Soderling and Andy Murray, losing finalist to Djokovic at the weekend.
Djokovic, world No 3, was replaced in the draw by Thiemo de Bakker.
"Novak Djokovic has personally called me to announce that he will be present in Rotterdam," said Kraijcek, whose event has a history of late pullouts, including Murray last year. "He has a very tiring period behind him and now has an injury to his shoulder.
"Due to this injury it is at least one week unable to train, let alone play at top level. He is obviously very disappointed that he cannot play."
Krajicek was more reassuring about the status of two-time Roland Garros finalist Soderling, already onsite in the Dutch port city. "I've seen Robin training this morning, it's a re-assuring sight."
Murray's status is unclear, with the devastated Scot hinting inthe wake of his Australian Open straight-sets final loss that he might take time off or jump straight back into competition.
