Cilic to miss Davis Cup Finals but hopeful after avoiding knee surgery

A knee injury will keep Marin Cilic from playing Davis Cup in two weeks, but the 31-year-old says he's happy to have avoided surgery.

The Croatian described the previous year and a half as "mentally and physically" difficult due to his ongoing knee problems. He said it initially appeared he would need surgery but a recent ultrasound had been better than expected.

"The rehab work was successful enough that surgery is not necessary at this stage," he wrote on social media, but added, "I will need to undergo a few minor interventions which will keep me off the tennis court for a longer period and unfortunately means I will not be able to compete at the Davis Cup."

Cilic, who won the 2014 US Open, endured a lackluster season and dropped from a career high of No. 3 in 2018 to No. 39 in the rankings. But he said he is "more motivated than ever" for next season.

Apart from Cilic and No. 28 Borna Coric, Croatia has no other singles players ranked inside the ATP's Top 100.