The 12-time Grand Slam champion disappeared from the tennis circuit in July to heal an elbow injury, but is a confirmed entrant at the exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Djokovic endured a difficult 2017 – which saw old foes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal return to the summit of the men’s game – as he failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals at a Slam.

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“It is a huge honour to take part in such a special tournament,” Djokovic told the tournament’s official website. “The line-up is very strong as always and it will be the perfect way to make my comeback and begin the season.”

“My recovery is going well and I can’t wait to be back on court. I’m working hard together with my team and looking forward to being back.”

Stan Wawrinka is also targeting his return at the event after an extended lay-off with a knee complaint.

Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreno Busta and Milos Raonic complete the six-strong field.

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