9 Apr 2011

Novak Djokovic sidelined by injury

9:08 am on 9 April 2011

The tennis World number two Novak Djokovic, unbeaten so far this year, has pulled out of next week's Monte Carlo Masters due to a knee injury.

A finalist in 2009, the 23-year-old Serb says his withdrawal is a tough blow because the Monte Carlo Masters is his favourite tournament.

Djokovic, who lives in the principality and trains for large parts of the year on the Monte Carlo courts, was hoping to launch a successful clay court season and extend his unbeaten streak of 26 matches dating back to December.

Since winning his second grand slam at the Australian Open in January, Djokovic has triumphed in Indian Wells and Miami and is putting pressure on top ranked Rafael Nadal to remain at number one.

He didn't say how long he will be sidelined.