Novak Djokovic has turned down an offer for a lucrative appearance at an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi in favour of competing in the forthcoming Brisbane International tournament.
Djokovic will use the tournament to prepare for the defence of his Australian Open title, rather than head to the Middle East for a meaningless but financially rewarding series of matches.
"It was being said Abu Dhabi had the top six players at one stage. I had heard suggestions Novak was going to Abu Dhabi and that he wasn't," tournament director Steve Ayles told Fox Sports. "Novak said he would play here because he saw it as the best way to get ready for the Australian Open."
Djokovic will be fancying his chances of retaining the Australian Open title after finishing the 2008 season on a high with a win in the 2008 Masters Cup. The Serbian has reportedly set his sights on finishing 2009 as world number one.
The top seed at the Brisbane international has kept in touch with his game during the off-season, competing in an exhibition tournament in the Austrian Ski Resort of St Anton.
