Proclaimed Croatian tennis star Borna Ćorić (29) has spent more time recovering from injuries over the past few years than on the tennis courts where he belongs. The winner of the Cincinnati Masters and a former 12th-ranked player in the world made his first public appearance in a long time this Monday at a press conference organized by his colleague, Marin Čilić.

Ćorić is recuperating from shoulder surgery. Although his initial plan was to return to the courts this May, specifically at the Challenger in Zagreb last week, his return was postponed due to new problems.

"For now, the plan is a few more weeks of very hard and very tedious rehabilitation. I hope that by the end of the year, I can start playing in some tournaments and compete next year," Ćorić said, adding:

"Unfortunately, I felt some minor discomfort when I started playing again. I believe this is behind me now, and we have found the right path, but I need a bit more time."

Ćorić has been out of competition since the first round of the US Open on August 27, when he lost to Jiri Lehecka. He will return to the tennis court at Čilić's humanitarian tournament, scheduled for July 12 in Karlovac.

"My return to the court will be at this tournament. I hope I will be in decent shape, maybe I should find a good partner through connections," Ćorić concluded with a laugh.