Gael Monfils fights back ‘serious’ injury woes crediting the physio for motivating him mid-match against Cam Norrie in Cincinnati
Monfils had to call his physio during the first set against his opponent Cameron Norrie.
Gael Monfils (Image via @TheTennisLetter/X)
Overcoming another injury scare, Gael Monfils managed to win against Cameron Norrie to reach the quarter-finals at the ongoing Cincinnati Open in Toronto on Tuesday. The 36-year-old overcame an injury scare in the first set and had to call his physio on the court to examine and receive treatment on his left calf.
The thought of yet another injury was a big scare for the player who had missed last year’s US Open due to a foot injury. He also missed the French Open earlier this year due to a wrist injury. However, despite missing out on playing these tournaments, Gael defeated World No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the recently concluded Canada Open.
“I think the physio came on court & did a great job. Not only the treatment, but he also managed to secure my head. He said ‘Honestly it’s gonna be fine,’ this means the world for me because of what I’ve been through,” claimed Monfils, post his win against Norrie. The two had faced each other last in the year 2019 in Zhuhai, where Monfils beat Norrie 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 in the second round.
However, despite the scare, the former World No. 6 did not let anything stop him thereon and proceeded to win the subsequent sets. The Frenchman beat Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to make his way up in the tournament.
Also read: Gael Monfils drops massive mixed doubles hint with Elina Svitolina sometime this season
Gael Monfils’ recent injury woes
Over the course of the last several months, Gael Monfils, the revered French tennis star, has been confronted with a series of challenging setbacks in the form of various injuries. Just recently, his journey at the esteemed French Open took an unexpected turn when he was compelled to withdraw from the tournament.
The incident transpired earlier this year and can be traced back to a particularly intense match against Holger Rune, during which Monfils strained his left wrist. This unfortunate occurrence rendered him incapable of continuing his pursuit on the court.
However, this was not the only instance where Monfils’ resilience was put to the test. Looking back, the specter of injury loomed large even prior to the French Open ordeal. The prestigious US Open saw Monfils absent, his absence stemming from a foot injury he had sustained. The severity of this injury compelled him to make the difficult decision of withdrawing from the tournament.
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Nikhil Sonmali
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