Gael Monfils’ first taste of the ATP finals has ended in bitter disappointment after he announced his withdrawal due to a rib injury.
The French sixth seed has been troubled by the injury throughout the entire week in London, struggling with his form during his losses against Dominic Thiem and Milos Raonic.
“I can’t play for tomorrow because I still feel worse and worse from my rib (injury), that I had lately. I feel that even yesterday it was tough in the game.” Said Monfils. “Today I wasn’t feeling great and couldn’t practice, so I decide that I couldn’t play tomorrow.”
Monfils’ retirement was one that hasn’t come as a surprise for many after rising anxiety over the current state of his health in recent days. He sustained the rib injury during the Stockholm Open in October. The issue hampered his preparation ahead of the London tournament with doctors stating that it would take roughly six weeks to recover from the injury.
It is a unfortunate outcome for a player known for his entertaining style on the court. Becoming only the 9th Frenchman in history to qualify for the year-end tournament, Monfils is determined to use the withdrawal as inspiration for the future.
“You know, you work so hard for this moment, then not be able play your best, is a huge deception for me.” The 30-year-old said.
“It will give me more strength for next year.”
The withdrawal comes at the end of what has been a breakthrough year. Grabbing a personal best 44 wins this season, Monfils won his first ATP 500 title in Washington and reached the semifinals of the US Open, his best grand slam performance since the 2008 French Open.
“I’m very happy to be here in the top eight. I think it’s the greatest season I ever done.” Monfils said about his season.
“It gives me more hope for next year. I think for the new season I will have new changes and hopefully I can be even stronger next year.”
Currently ranked 6th in the world, the Frenchman will end the season inside the top 10 for the first time at the age of 30.
Replacing Monfils in the tournament will be David Goffin. The Belgian will play Novak Djokovic on Thursday and currently trails 0-2 in the head-to-head against the second seed.
