Former finalist Gael Monfils withdraws from Monte Carlo due to injury

World no. 13 Gael Monfils is still among the world's best players, but mainly thanks to his points from 2019 and early 2020, struggling a lot since the season's restart.

The 34-year-old has lost the last seven matches on the Tour, including six since August, as he still seeks the first victory since the start of the pandemic that took his form away completely. Gael hoped to seek it in Monte Carlo next week, but that will not be the case, as he had to withdraw due to a calf injury. Monfils has felt the pain for the last ten days, and it got worse during the practice. The Frenchman took an ultrasound, and it revealed an injury that will keep him away from the court for a couple of weeks.

Monfils hasn't played in Monte Carlo since 2016 when he reached the final, losing to Rafael Nadal 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 and never competing at his home Masters 1000 event again.

"Sadly, I'm forced to withdraw from the Monte Carlo Masters. I have been feeling some pain at the bottom of my calf for the previous ten days, and it got worse yesterday during my last practice. On the medical staff's advice, I took an ultrasound that confirmed the extent of an injury. Therefore, I'm forced to postpone my return. However, I remain positive and optimistic for the rest of the season. I will start specific treatment today, hoping to return as soon as possible," Gael Monfils said.