Following a third round loss at the 2016 Miami Open, Croatian number one Marin Cilic’s season has hit another bump in the road, this time in the form of a knee injury.
The Monte Carlo resident took to Facebook to apologize to his fans for the fact that he has withdrawn from next week’s Monte Carlo Rolex Masters event due to the knee injury. After his momentum following his first major title at the U.S. Open in 2014, the world number 11 has had some injury issues in the past two seasons.
In 2015, the former world number eight missed the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami due to a shoulder injury. He did later return and did reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, however.
This year, he was seeded 12th at the 2016 Australian Open before being upset in the third round by Roberto Bautista-Agut.
Cilic: I Have Had Difficulties With My Knee For Weeks
In his post to his fans, the Croatian discussed his recent injury, one that could help explain his slow start to the 2016 season.
“Currently in Monte Carlo, I want to inform you and also as you have already probably noticed, I had some difficulties with my knee for last few weeks,” Cilic said. “That is the reason I have to pull out of next week's tournament in Monte Carlo, the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.”
World Number 11 Says Rehab Is Going Well
The former U.S. Open Champion assured his fans that he is rehabbing well and hopes to make his return to the ATP World Tour shortly.
“I am disappointed not to start the clay-court season on the tournament where I always enjoy to play and on the courts where I often play,” Cilic said.
“My rehabilitation is going very well so far, have already started with it after finishing Miami tournament. If everything goes as planned, I'll be back to play at the Mutua Madrid Open. Thank you for your support as always.”
The 2016 Mutua Madrid Open is scheduled to begin on May 1st.