Tennis

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic, right, is forced to withdraw from the Miami Open.

SUNRISE — The Miami Open continues to lose some of its star power as a day after top-ranked Andy Murray pulled out of the tournament with a right elbow injury, second-ranked Novak Djokovic followed for the same reason.

Djokovic, the three-time defending champion and a six-time winner in Miami, has been struggling since completing his career Grand Slam at the French Open last summer.

“I have some very disappointing news to share with you regarding the Miami Open tournament,” Djokovic said in a statement. “My doctor has strongly advised against play because my elbow injury, that I keep carrying on for months, got worse in the past week. I will do everything in my power to recover and do all the necessary therapy to be able to return on court as soon as possible. Sadly, I won't be able to defend my title in Miami this week.”

The tournament also has taken hits in the women’s field as top-ranked Serena Williams, an eight-time winner of the Miami Open, pulled out of both Indian Wells Masters 1000 and Miami a few weeks ago with a knee injury.

The 33rd edition of the Miami Open begins today and runs through April 2.