Tuesday 13 January 2015 12:39, UK
US Open champion Marin Cilic has withdrawn from this month’s Australian Open after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.
The world No 9 has battled the injury for more than a month and sat out the recent Brisbane International in an attempt to regain his fitness.
The Croatian said his shoulder is steadily improving but not fast enough to enable him to be fit for the first Grand Slam of 2015, which starts on January 19 in Melbourne.
“I am really disappointed to announce that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open with the right shoulder injury which has hampered me for some time now,” Cilic said.
“It’s improving day by day but I still do not feel fit enough to compete at the highest level.
"I am really sad that I won't be able to participate in Melbourne, especially after winning the last Grand Slam in New York, but I was advised by doctors to be careful as much as possible to avoid even more serious problems.
"I have received lots of support letters from my fans worldwide lately and I am grateful for your support and best wishes.
“I was really looking forward to be back on court in Australia and now I hope we will meet very soon in Zagreb."
Cilic's withdrawal follows that of France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who pulled out with an arm injury.
Both players took part in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League, despite their problems, and that decision looks like it may have cost them their chance in Australia.
It should provide some good news for British No 2 James Ward, though, who is likely to gain a place in the main draw of a Grand Slam without a wild card for the first time.
