Tennis Guide Australian Open

Melbourne Park, Australia

World No. 9 Marin Cilic has been forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to a shoulder injury.

The reigning US Open champion made his Grand Slam breakthrough at Melbourne Park in 2010 when he stormed to the semi-finals (l. to Murray). Cilic, who also withdrew from this week's Brisbane International presented by Suncorp, was set to launch his 2015 season Down Under but could not regain his fitness in time.

"I am really disappointed to announce that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open, " Cilic announced on his website. "It is a right shoulder injury, that hampers me for some time now and forced me to withdraw from the ATP World Tour event in Brisbane. It is improving day by day, but I still don't feel fit enough to be able 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 being back on court in Australia and now I hope we will meet very soon in Zagreb."