Djokovic suddenly withdraws from Kyrgios clash in Dubai
ATP
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios were supposed to meet at the 2022 World Tennis League, but the Serbian player withdrew ahead of their clash.
Both finalists from the All England Club are taking part in the 2022 World Tennis League. In their first ties, both were part of the losing team. They also both lost their own matches, as both Kyrgios and Djokovic entered their matches with an overall lead.
While Kyrgios lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime 5-7, 3-6, Djokovic was bested by Alexander Zverev, 6-3, 6-4. In their second tie, the two were supposed to meet on the court, but that match won't happen.
As The Falcons and The Eagles clashed on Wednesday, their match was supposed to conclude the tie between these two teams. However, the 21-time Grand Slam finalist withdrew from the match.
On Tuesday, the Serbian lost to Alexander Zverev, who was coming back from an injury, and his win was unexpected. However, it seems that Djokovic is not 100% fit to play, as he announced on Wednesday.
Shortly before the match, he announced that he wouldn't be taking part in the men's singles match and asked his teammate Grigor Dimitrov to replace him on the court against Kyrgios.
The Bulgarian already played one match in the tie against The Hawks as he joined forces with Aryna Sabalenka to beat Rohan Bopanna and Bianca Andreescu in the mixed doubles match.
Before the men's singles match, The Eagles lead 24-18, so The Falcons would really need Djokovic to help them. Now, Dimitrov will need to attempt a miraculous comeback against the Australian, who also lost his first match in Dubai.
However, most of Djokovic's fans will now likely be concerned about his health, as a withdrawal during an off-season exhibition tournament is never a good sign. He will want to start the 2023 season with a win at the Australian Open.
