Gael Monfils has pulled out of next week’s Halle Open due to the lingering effects of a viral infection.
The Frenchman hasn’t played a match since his first round loss to Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci at the Rome Masters. Struck down by a viral infection, Monfils was forced to miss the French Open for only the second time in his career. Speaking about the illness shortly before the start of Roland Garros, Monfils’ agent said he was ‘weakened and hospitalized’ due to the virus.
The setback comes after a strong start to the season by the world No. 15. At the Australian Open, Monfils reached the quarter-final stage for the first time in his career. Then in April at the Monte Carlo Masters, the 29-year-old defeated Andy Murray to reach the final. Monte Carlo was his first appearance in a Masters final since the 2010 Paris Open. He was also a finalist at the Rotterdam Open in February, losing to Martin Klizan.
With no comment coming from Monfils regarding the current state of his fitness, it is unclear as to when he will return to the tour. He is currently expected to participate in the Wimbledon Championships, which begins in less than three weeks time.
Looking ahead to the Summer, it has been confirmed by Monfils’ team that he will play in the Washington Open in July. The entry list for the ATP 500 event is yet to be released, but other expected participants include Tomas Berdych, Grigor Dimitrov and John Isner. The tournament will start on July 18th.
Gael Monfils’ season so far
Australian Open – QF (lost to Milos Raonic)
Montpellier Open – R1 (lost to Edouard Roger-Vasselin)
Rotterdam Open – Runner-up (lost to Martin Klizan)
Indian Wells Masters – QF (lost to Milos Raonic)
Miami Masters – QF (lost to Kei Nishikori)
Monte Carlo Masters – Runner-up (lost to Rafael Nadal)
Madrid Masters – R2 (lost to Pablo Cuevas)
Rome Masters – R1 (lost to Thomaz Bellucci)
Current 2016 win-loss = 21-8
