Gael Monfils news: Former world No 6 withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters due to injury

ATP Tour
Gael Monfils in action

Gael Monfils, the current highest ranked French player, has announced he is withdrawing from the Monte Carlo Masters due to a foot injury and will have to delay his start to the clay season.

It was meant to be the first time the 35-year-old returned to play in this ATP 1000 event since 2016 but he will have to wait another year to make his 11th appearance at the tournament.

The Australian Open quarter finalist announced the news of his withdrawal on Twitter and will therefore be replaced in the competition by a ‘lucky loser’ who initially failed to qualify for the tournament.

“Hi all, sadly I have had to withdraw from Monte Carlo following an issue with my foot,” the Geneva resident wrote on his social media feed.

“Doctors have advised me to rest before it gets more serious.

“I am planning to be back in time for Madrid – see you soon.”

It was six years ago since Monfils reached his first and only final at the Monte Carlo event but he was beaten by 21 time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

He was last seen at the Miami Open but he only managed to reach the second round where he was beaten by Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, but the Frenchman recently revealed that his wife, Elina Svitolina is one of his biggest inspirations and he might not be in the sport if it wasn’t for her.

“I am in awe of my wife, frankly it is thanks to her that I play,” he told Le Parisen.

“In all transparency if she hadn’t gone to Indian Wells and Miami, I wouldn’t have gone there either – I can’t even figure out how she could play.

“It’s exceptional to find so much energy and will in moments like this – hats off! I tell her every time I follow her example, she has exceptional abilities in life.”

Monfils is hoping to return for the Madrid Open which gets underway from April 26.

Elina Svitolina Gael Monfils

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