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2017 Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic has announced that he won't be competing at The Championships this year. Cilic, 34, undergo knee surgery in January. Although Cilic's goal was to return at the start of the grass season, that didn't happen.
In a statement posted on his social media, Cilic said his knee is gradually improving but doesn't want to risk anything by rushing his comeback and playing at Wimbledon. "I'm sad to be missing the grass season and especially Wimbledon; this is a highlight of the season for every tennis player, but I know how important it is not to rush the recovery process.
Things have generally been going well the last few weeks with my post-surgery training so I'm staying positive and focused on my long-term recovery. I hope that I'll be competing very soon. I miss being on Tour, the tournaments and the fans, and I can’t wait to get back to all of that, to feel the thrill of stepping on court & competing.
Until then, I’ll keep training and sharpening my motivation. Thanks for your continued support as always!" Cilic wrote on Facebook.
Former Wimbledon finalist Cilic out of The Championships
Cilic, a former world No 3, made his Wimbledon main draw debut in 2007.
Between 2007 and 2021, Cilic made 14 consecutive appearances at The All England Club. Last year, Cilic's streak of 14 consecutive appearances at Wimbledon came to an end after he tested positive for COVID just before his match.
After making three consecutive Wimbledon quarterfinals between 2014 and 2016, Cilic went a step further at The Championships in 2017. That year, Cilic made the Wimbledon final before losing to Roger Federer in three sets.
In his last Wimbledon appearance - in 2021 - Cilic reached the Wimbledon third round before losing to Daniil Medvedev. Now, Cilic's hope remains that he will be healthy to return to Wimbledon in 2024.