Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has announced his departure from next week's ATP Tour event in Rotterdam because of a shoulder injury.
Djokovic, who won Andy Murray in straight sets to add the Melbourne crown to his victory in 2008, was to have been top seed for the indoor event.
The Serb's place in the draw has now been taken by Dutchman Theimo de Bakker, while Djokovic's absence means Murray and Swede Robin Soderling are now favorites to triumph the title.
Confirming the news, director Richard Krajicek told the tournament's official website: "Novak Djokovic has personally called me to declare that he will be not be present in Rotterdam.
"He is recovering from a very exhausting period and is now suffering from this injury to his shoulder," added Krajicek.
"Because of the wound he will be unable to train for a week, let alone playing high-level matches. He is apparently very disappointed that he will not attend."
