Djokovic: I’ll return stronger

NOVAK DJOKOVIC has vowed to “come back stronger” after calling time on his 2017 season due to an elbow injury.

Djokovic has brought a premature end to his year following an injury-hit Wimbledon.

The world No.4 (above) was initially troubled by a shoulder problem at SW19 before elbow damage forced him to retire from his quarter-final against Tomas Berdych.

Djokovic, 30, will miss the US Open – ending his run of appearing in 51 successive Grand Slams – Davis Cup semi-finals and November’s World Tour finals.

He said: “After obviously a year and a half of carrying the injury of the elbow, I have made the decision to not play any tournaments for the rest of 2017.

“Wimbledon was the toughest tournament for me in terms of feeling the pain that has escalated.

“I have consulted many doctors and specialists and they all agree I need rest, I need time.

‘‘You have to allow natural rehabilitation to take its course. I firmly believe that I will come back stronger.”

The Serb star has taken a leaf out of Roger Federer’s book. The Swiss master took six months off following knee surgery before winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

And Djokovic, winner of 12 Grand Slams, hopes for a similar outcome.