Djokovic withdraws from China Open with elbow injury

BELGRADE, Serbia - Novak Djokovic says he has withdrawn from the China Open because of an elbow injury.

The defending champion says he is ''extremely disappointed'' to miss the tournament in Beijing, where he has won four consecutive titles and has 29 victories in a row.

The 29-year-old Djokovic says he ''will continue with my rehabilitation and hope to be able to return to the ATP Tour as soon as possible.''

The US Open finalist has had a poor midseason, losing at the Olympics and Wimbledon in the early stages. He has reportedly had physical and personal issues which reflected on his recent results.

Djokovic is next scheduled to play at the Shanghai Masters from Oct. 10.