Marin Cilic said he needs to play more matches to regain his level as he returns from a shoulder injury.
The U.S. Open champion fell to Victor Estrella Burgos, 6-4, 6-4, in his opening match at Barcelona, after having reached the Monte Carlo quarterfinals the previous week. He has played just three events this season, hampered by an ongoing shoulder injury.
"I'm not happy with how I played today. I need more matches," he said. "I did not get to the ball well."
The Croatian is not only dealing with he injury, but also increased pressure from being a Grand Slam champion. "It is not easy to maintain the reputation that I have as a champion in my country. I ask myself to play better," he said. "My game was not at the level I wanted it to be, and I feel more angry with myself that I disappointed."
Cilic will take a week off before playing the Masters events in Madrid and Rome leading into the French Open. However, he left open the possibility off adding another tournament if he needs more matches.