Novak Djokovic pulls out of China Open
Updated: September 30, 2011, 8:17 AM ET
Associated Press
BEIJING -- Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the China Open because of a back injury.
Tournament organizers said the defending champion withdrew because the latest medical checks show the injury he sustained while winning the U.S. Open has not yet healed.
The tournament in Beijing starts on Monday. It is not yet clear whether the 24-year-old Serb will also skip the Shanghai Masters that starts in two weeks.
Djokovic has said the partial rupture of a back muscle that forced him to quit his Davis Cup semifinal match against Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro is not serious, but requires rest.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE TENNIS HEADLINES
- Canada teen Bouchard gains Strasbourg semis
- Querrey loses to Roger-Vasselin at Nice Open
- Qualifier Pella advances to Duesseldorf semis
- Del Potro, Fish, Baker out of French Open
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
EDITORS' PICKS

- Dirt Devil
- Maria Sharapova's determination has paid off in Paris. Tandon »

- Nothing To Prove
- Serena Williams' legacy is intact regardless of French Open. Story »

- Squashing Perfection
- The day Martina Navratilova lost at the French Open. Greg Garber »

- The Vulnerables
- Wawrinka, Isner among the vulnerables in Paris. Bryant »

- Familiar Picture
- Nothing new in Rafa's dominance over Federer. Bodo »