World number one Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week's China Open in Beijing due to an elbow injury.
The 29-year-old has struggled with form and fitness so far this summer, suffering early exits from Wimbledon and the Olympics before pulling out of the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.
The Serb did reach the final of the US Open on his comeback, however, and earlier this week tweeted images of himself in training for the China Open.
However, the tournament organisers have confirmed that the 12-time Grand Slam champion will play no part as he continues to recover from his ongoing elbow injury.
6-time and defending #ChinaOpen champion @DjokerNole has been forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an elbow injury. pic.twitter.com/yEzuP7NpKx
— China Open (@ChinaOpen) September 28, 2016
World number two Andy Murray is also a doubt for the tournament after injuring his thigh during Great Britain's Davis Cup defeat to Argentina 10 days ago.