Djokovic crashed out of Wimbledon at the quarter-final stage earlier this month, managing little more than one set of tennis against Tomas Berdych before he threw the towel in after treatment on a problematic elbow.
The Serbian later revealed that he had been battling the issue on and off since the beginning of 2016 but is now in the process of finding a permanent way of alllowing him to play pain-free.
“I’m just going to talk with specialists, as I have done in the last year or so, try to figure out what’s the best way to treat it and to solve it, to find a long-term solution,” Djokovic said in the immediate aftermath of his SW19 exit.
“Obviously short-term it’s probably rest is most appropriate. We will see.”
And today on Facebook he told fans he won’t be playing again this year.
Djokovic confirmed that he will miss the rest of the year after his doctor Zdenko Milinkovic revealed the nature of the problem earlier this week.
“All the doctors I’ve consulted, and all the specialists I have visited, in Serbia and all over the world, have agreed that this injury requires rest,” he said.
“A prolonged break from the sport is inevitable. I’ll do whatever it takes to recover. 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.
“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 also confirmed that he would have the opportunity to spend more time with his family – his wife Jelena is expecting their second child and revealed Andre Agassi has committed to being his coach in 2018.
He said: “Another important moment is coming, we will become parents for a second time.
“My wife Jelena and I are expecting our second child, and we are preparing to welcome a new family member. These are things that fill me with greatest happiness and delight. I’m confident I will be ready for start of the new season.
“We’ve been speaking regularly. Andre was with me in Toronto and he helped me find doctors, specialists in treating elbow injuries. During this short period of time, we’ve been getting to know each other and building trust and understanding.
“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.”
