DOHA, Dec. 30 -- Novak Djokovic, 12-time Grand Slam champion, on Saturday withdrew from next week's Qatar Open due to a niggling elbow injury.

The former world No. 1 and the top seed in Doha, said in a statement that he would not be able to defend the title.

"Unfortunately, the situation with the elbow has not changed for the better since yesterday," said Djokovic.

"I still feel the pain. Therefore, I will have to withdraw from (the) ATP tournament in Doha."

His withdrawal came just 24 hours after the injury forced him to pull out of an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.