“First examinations not great” – Monfils to fly back to Europe after latest injury blow

Monfils was playing his first tournament since May due to a foot injury

Gael Monfils gets medical attention during the 2022 National Bank Open in Montreal Image Credit: Zuma/ Panoramic

August 12, 2022

Frenchman Gael Monfils, who returned to the tour this week for the first time since May, has decided to fly back to Europe after a preliminary examination of his foot injury that he sustained during his clash against Jack Draper in Montreal on Thursday.

Monfils was trailing Draper 6-2, 0-2 in the third round at the National Bank Open Masters Series event when he fell to the floor as he hobbled on his foot and winced in pain, breaking down in tears a few minutes later.

Sport can be so cruel 😔

Monfils is forced to retire after sustaining an injury in his 3rd round match vs Draper #OBN22 pic.twitter.com/f8kSunaXyK
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 12, 2022

The Frenchman tried to return to the court to complete the match but prudently decided to forfeit after barely being able to move around freely.

In a tweet posted on social media, Monifls said, “Hello! Tough one tonight in Montreal. The 1st exams that I have had are not great. I have decided to fly back to Europe to consult with my doctors. I will keep you updated as soon as possible. Thank you again for all your messages of support!!”

Hello! Tough one tonight in Montreal. The 1st exams that I have had are not great. I have decided to fly back to Europe to consult with my doctors. I will keep you updated as soon as possible. Thank you again for all your messages of support 🙏🏾
— Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils) August 12, 2022

“I really hope to play until I’m 40” – Monfils wants to follow in Federer’s footsteps

The 35-year-old Monfils, currently ranked 20th in the world, had stated earlier this week that he wanted to following the footsteps of Roger Federer and continue competing till the age of 40.

The Frenchman, who also missed three months in the first half of the 2021 season, said, “I have too much fun to stop this. My real dream would be to be an athlete such as Kobe Bryant, or as Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Roger Federer are today. It’s symbolic. I really hope to play until I’m 40!”

Monfils is also expecting his first child later this year with his wife, WTA player Elina Svitolina. It remains to be seen if the Frenchman will recover in time to compete at the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, which begins on August 29.