World no. 2 Novak Djokovic will put his unbeaten year on hold after withdrawing from next week's Monte Carlo Masters with a wrist injury.

22672 - Injured Djokovic to miss Monte Carlo Masters

Djokovic - who has yet to taste defeat in 2011 on the way to winning a number of tournaments, most notably the Australian Open - recently usurped Roger Federer to sit behind only Rafael Nadal in the world rankings.

But the Serbian will have to wait to extend his recent form as the season moves onto clay courts, after confirming injury will keep him out of the event at the principality.

"It's a tough blow and sad news not only for the tournament and my fans but also for myself," Djokovic, who lives and trains in Monaco, said in a statement.

No further information about the extent of the injury was forthcoming, although it is not expected to be serious enough to keep him out of this year's French Open at Roland Garros, which begins on May 17.