Croatia's Marin Cilic withdraws from Australian Open due to shoulder injury

US Open champion Marin Cilic has withdrawn from this month's Australian Open because of a shoulder injury, the world number nine said on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has been struggling with a right shoulder problem for more than a month and the Croatian skipped the Brisbane International in the hope of recovering in time for the season's first grand slam beginning in Melbourne on January 19.

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"I am really disappointed to announce that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open," Cilic said in a statement on his website (www.marin-cilic.net).

"I was advised by doctors to be careful as much as possible to avoid even more serious problems. It is improving day by day, but I still don't feel fit enough to be able to compete at the highest level," signed off Cilic.