(Picture Credit: instagram.com/iamgaelmonfils)
Gael Monfils, a French tennis player, has had to postpone the start of his clay season due to a late withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters due to a foot ailment. Monfils, a former world No. 6, was set to begin his clay season in Monte Carlo this week.
Monfils, 35, was slated to play in Monte Carlo for the first time since 2016 and for the 11th time overall. In the Monte Carlo first round, Monfils was paired with Hubert Hurkacz. A lucky loser will take Monfils’ position.
In 2016, Monfils made his first Monte Carlo final. Monfils came up just short of winning his first Monte Carlo title at the time, losing in a three-set final against Rafael Nadal.
Monfils was set to return to Monte Carlo this year but was forced to withdraw due to injuries. Monfils last competed in Miami, where he was defeated in the third round by Francisco Cerundolo. Monfils revealed a few days ago how he gets his motivation from his wife, Elina Svitolina.
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Monfils announced his withdrawal from the Monte-Carlo tournament through Twitter, writing, “Hi everyone, regrettably I had to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo tournament due to foot problems.”
Monfils, on the other hand, has been advised to miss the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, the season’s first clay-court masters event, due to foot injuries.
The tournament, which will be held in Monfils’ home country of France, will feature some of tennis’ biggest names, including a comeback of 20-time Grand Slam champion and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
