ATP Masters Montreal: Gael Monfils again with serious heel problems
Frenchman Gael Monfils had to give up last night (local time) against Jack Draper due to injury at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal. A first investigation gives cause for concern.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Aug 12, 2022, 03:22 pm
What a bitter pill for Gael Monfils! The Frenchman, who played his last tournament match at the classic clay court in Madrid before Montreal, may have to take a longer break again. Nothing is fixed yet, but the pictures from yesterday's game night (local time) at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Canada didn't exactly look promising. In any case, the crowd's favorite will not accept an invitation to the US Open preparatory tournament in Winston-Salem.
The likeable Parisian has been suffering from pain in his right heel for at least the last three months. Conservative treatment should have made it possible to return to the European summer sand court swing, but in the end the current number 20 in the ATP ranking canceled participation in Hamburg and Kitzbühel at short notice. In Montreal, Monfils finally came back and performed well against Pedro Martinez and Maxime Cressy in the first two rounds.
Initial investigations give cause for concern
However, the western European already gave concerns on Wednesday evening (local time) before the game against the American Cressy: "Last night I had a pain in my heel, but this morning I worked well with the doctor. I'm careful." Admittedly, caution didn't help much - Monfils had to handshake early in the round of 16 against qualifier Jack Draper at a score of 2: 6, 0: 2. The limping movements and facial expressions of the 35-year-old did not bode well.
Today Monfils tweeted to his fans: "Hello friends, has been a difficult evening in Montreal. The first tests were not good, I have made the decision to return to Europe to consult my medical team. I will tell you as soon as possible as soon as possible. Thanks again for your messages and support. See you soon!" The Frenchman has often struggled with protracted injuries in the past - one can only hope that the fears are quickly resolved. In any case, a start at the US Open is shaky.