CHENGDU — French tennis star Gael Monfils has issued a public statement after a devastating week that saw him retire mid-match at the Chengdu Open due to a wrist injury, a setback that subsequently forced him to withdraw from the upcoming China Open in Beijing.
The 37-year-old fan favorite was competing against Australian Philip Sekulic in the first round of the ATP 250 event in Chengdu when the incident occurred. Monfils, who had won the first set 6-3, was leading 2-1 in the second set before abruptly stopping play. He immediately clutched at his left wrist, his playing arm, and called for the trainer.
After a brief medical timeout, the former world No. 6 attempted to continue but managed to play only one more point. Visibly in pain and unable to properly grip his racquet, he walked to the net to shake his opponent's hand, retiring from the match. The abrupt end sent a wave of concern through the tennis community for the veteran known for his incredible athleticism and longevity.
Shortly after the retirement, tournament organizers for the ATP 500 China Open in Beijing announced that Monfils had withdrawn from their draw. He was scheduled to face the formidable Russian, Daniil Medvedev, in what promised to be a blockbuster first-round encounter.
Monfils Breaks His Silence on Social Media
On his Instagram account, Monfils posted a heartfelt message to his fans, explaining the difficult decision. He wrote, "Hello everyone, unfortunately I had to retire today in Chengdu due to a pain in my wrist. With my team, we took the decision to not take any risk and to withdraw from Beijing next week. I will do some exams and see with my doctors what the next steps are."
He concluded his statement with an optimistic note, vowing to return to the court as soon as possible: "I will keep you updated. Hopefully see you on court soon." The post was accompanied by a photo of Monfils looking dejected during his medical timeout in Chengdu.
A History of Bad Luck with Injuries
For Monfils, this latest physical setback is a frustrating chapter in a career often hampered by injuries. His explosive, high-octane style of play, while spectacular to watch, has taken a significant toll on his body over nearly two decades on the tour. This specific wrist issue is a new concern, adding to a long list of ailments that have included problems with his knees, back, and feet.
Despite these challenges, Monfils has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in 2024. Earlier this year, he captured his 12th ATP title in Stockholm, becoming the oldest champion at the event. His season has been characterized by several deep runs and signature victories that have defied his age, reminding everyone of the talent that made him a junior world No. 1 and a perennial top-10 threat.
The Impact on His Season and Beyond
This injury comes at a particularly inopportune time. The Asian swing of the ATP tour is a crucial period for players to accumulate ranking points before the season concludes. Monfils' retirement and subsequent withdrawal mean he will lose valuable opportunities to improve his ranking, currently sitting just inside the top 50, as he looks to secure direct entry into major tournaments in 2025.
Furthermore, the timing raises questions about his participation in the remainder of the season. The indoor hard court season in Europe, which includes prestigious events like the Paris Masters—played in his home country—is fast approaching. The severity of the wrist injury will dictate his schedule.
Key questions now facing Monfils and his team include:
- The exact nature and grade of the wrist injury (e.g., a sprain, tendonitis, or something more severe).
- The expected recovery timeline and necessary treatment (rest, physiotherapy, potential PRP injections).
- Whether he will be fit to compete in the final Masters 1000 event of the year in Paris.
- The long-term implications for his pre-season training and preparation for the 2025 Australian Open.
An Outpouring of Support from the Tour
The reaction from fellow players and fans on social media was immediate and supportive. Monfils is universally regarded as one of the most well-liked and respected figures in the locker room. His sportsmanship, charismatic personality, and unwavering love for the game have earned him a unique place in the sport. Fans expressed their hope for a swift recovery, emphasizing how much the tour needs his electrifying presence.
This sentiment was echoed by tennis journalists and analysts. Commentator David Law stated on social media, "Gutted for Gael Monfils. Retires in Chengdu with a wrist injury and pulls out of Beijing. At 37, and with the way he plays, every injury is a worry. Here's hoping it's nothing serious and he's back swinging soon. Tennis is always better with him in it."
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Return
For now, the tennis world waits for further updates from Monfils' medical team. The "exams" he referred to, likely an MRI scan, will provide a clear diagnosis and determine the path forward. The primary goal will be to avoid any long-term damage that could jeopardize the final stages of his illustrious career.
Monfils' resilience has been tested before, and he has repeatedly bounced back from lengthy absences. His passion for competition and the support of his team, including his wife, fellow tennis star Elina Svitolina, will be crucial during his recovery. As he stated himself, the hope is to see him back on court soon, once again defying physics and bringing joy to courts around the world.
The incident in Chengdu is a stark reminder of the physical demands of professional tennis, especially on its veteran stars. While the immediate future is uncertain, one thing remains clear: Gael Monfils' fighting spirit is as strong as ever, and his journey back to the court will be followed by legions of fans eager to witness more of his magic.