Novak Djokovic confirms return from injury at Qatar Open

Novak Djokovic will return to action on the ATP Tour next week, with the Serbian confirming he will compete at the Qatar Open in Doha.

Djokovic’s participation in the tournament was in doubt after the 24-time Grand Slam champion tore a muscle in his hamstring at the Australian Open in January.

While he played through the injury to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, the 37-year-old was forced to withdraw from his subsequent semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev after just one set.

But Djokovic says the muscle in his leg has fully healed and he is looking forward to competing for his 100th ATP title in Doha.

“There is no longer a muscle tear,” Djokovic said on Monday.

“The injury is almost 100% healed and I’m ready to go for more victories.

“I have the green light from the medical team to be able to train, to prepare.

“The Doha tournament is on the bill in seven days, and I am sticking to the planned schedule.

“Thank God I was able to recover quickly.

“I’ve had a few more injuries lately compared to the first 15 years of my career.

“It probably comes with age, but my body still supports me well and I still have a flame inside.

“I hope I can win this 100th trophy now in Doha.

“I’ve been chasing it for a while, since last October.

“But we’ll see, it will come when it comes.”

Tennis betting sites are yet to release odds for the Qatar Open, which is scheduled to start on February 17; however, Djokovic is unlikely to be the favourite heading into the tournament.

World No.1 Jannik Sinner is slated to make his return to action as well in Doha, competing for the first time since defending his Australian Open title.

The Italian is on a 21-match winning streak, having won the Shanghai Masters and ATP Finals before leading his country to Davis Cup victory to end the 2024 season.

Other top players at the event include Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.

Sports news