2017 was a disastrous year for Novak Djokovic.

After losing his status as Tennis world number one to Andy Murray raonion the back of a poor run of form to end 2016, the Serbian great continued to struggle throughout 2017.

At the Australian Open, Djokovic was humbled by world number 117, Denis Istomin. He was then knocked out in the French Open quarter-finals in another disappointing display.

Djokovic then had a good run to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, but after visibly suffering from an injury, the 12-time major champion retired when a set and a break down to Thomas Berdych.

After that retirement, Djokovic revealed he would take a break from the sport in order to recover from that elbow injury, and has not picked up a tennis racket since.

However, the Serb has now earmarked a date in which he intends to make his comeback.

Djokovic has announced he plans to make his comeback in December at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to the tournament website, the six-time Australian Open champion said: "The line-up is very strong as always and it will be the perfect way to make my comeback and begin the season.

"Abu Dhabi is an amazing place and this is going to be a great event for all of the fans."

Stan Wawrinka, who has also been out from tennis for a lengthy spell, also plans to return at the same event.

The Swiss star said: "The fans are amazing there and the draw is as strong as always with a lot of great players.

"My recovery is going well and I can't wait to be back on court."

The tournament will take place between December 28-30, with world number one Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreno Busta and Milos Raonic also set to feature.