24 Feb 2017

Djokovic to return in Mexico

5:10 pm on 24 February 2017

World men's tennis number two Novak Djokovic will make his return from a shoulder injury at next week's ATP tournament in Acapulco.

Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Djokovic had accepted a wildcard into the Mexican tournament which boasts a strong field including Australian Open finalist Rafa Nadal and world number four Milos Raonic.

"Great news! You'll see me back on court next week in Acapulco at @AbiertoTelcel," the 12-times grand slam champion wrote on his Twitter account. "Did you miss me?"

Djokovic carried the shoulder problem into Serbia's Davis win over Russia earlier this month and skipped the ABN Amro tournament in Rotterdam which Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won last weekend.

The 29-year-old Serb is battling to get back into shape after losing the world number one ranking to Briton Andy Murray at the end of last season and after his Australian Open title defence was sensationally ended by Uzbek journeyman Denis Istomin in the second round last month.

Acapulco will be Djokovic's first ATP tournament in Latin America.

-Reuters