By Agence France-Presse

Novak Djokovic on Saturday pulled out of the upcoming Adelaide International in a big blow to the new tournament.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia signs autographs after his men’s singles match against Denis Shapovalov of Canada at the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Sydney on January 10, 2020. (Photo by William WEST / AFP, File)

The world number two has been leading Serbia at the ATP Cup team event in Sydney, where they face Russia in a semifinal on Saturday.

No explanation was given by officials who confirmed his absence from the ATP-WTA tournament, whose women’s field is headed by top-ranked Ashleigh Barty.

“We know how disappointed Novak is about not being able to play in Adelaide this year and we hope to welcome him to the tournament next year,” tournament director Alistair MacDonald said.

“We understand his decision and wish him the very best of luck for the remainder of the ATP Cup and the upcoming Australian Open.”

Djokovic had planned to use the hardcourt tournament in South Australia, starting Sunday, as a final tune-up for the Australian Open Grand Slam, which begins a week from Monday.

Tags: 2020 Adelaide International , 2020 ATP Cup , Adelaide International , Alistair MacDonald , ATP , ATP Cup , Novak Djokovic , WTA