US Open champion Marin Cilic will miss the Australian Open with a shoulder injury.

The Croatian has withdrawn from the tournament, which gets underway in Melbourne on January 19, because of a problem with his right shoulder.

The world No.9 said he made the decision after being advised by doctors that playing with the injury could lead to an even longer lay-off.

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“I am really disappointed to announce that I had to withdraw from the Australian Open,” he said in a statement.

“Right shoulder injury, that hampers me for some time now and forced me to withdraw from the ATP event in Brisbane, 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.”

Cilic’s withdrawal follows that of France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who pulled out with an arm injury.