Gael Monfils withdraws from the 2022 French Open, comeback date unknown

Gael Monfils withdraws from the 2022 French Open, comeback date unknown

Gael Monfils

World No. 22 Gael Monfils is confirmed as another notable absentee from the upcoming 2022 French Open which begins next week in Paris. Monfils, one of the home favourites and a semi-finalist in 2008 will not be making the trip for Roland Garros this year due to a scheduled surgery.

The procedure will also see him miss the event in Lyon this week where he was one of the top seeds. Monfils communicated his decision through his official Twitter handle. The 35-year old revealed having difficulty in the on-court movement and was forced to go under the scissor in order to play in the remainder of the season.

“Hi all, I regret to inform you that I am forced to withdraw from Open Parc de Lyon and the French Open next week. I have been bothered by a calcaneal spur since Monte-Carlo at my right heel which prevents me from moving properly on court. I have decided to undergo a small procedure this week to treat the issue before returning to competitive play. I will keep you updated about my progress when I have more news,” tweeted Monfils.

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Gael Monfils had played just one Clay event this season

Gael Monfils
Gael Monfils

After a good start to the season where he picked up his 11th career title at the 2022 Adelaide Open extending his streak of reaching a final in every season for the past 17 seasons, the Frenchman’s absence from Clay events was noted well. After his 3rd round exit from the 2022 Miami Masters, he made his Clay debut at the 2022 Madrid Masters where he lost to eventual semi-finalist and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic who extended his winning record to 18-0 against the Frenchman.

With no comeback date yet announced and a heel injury, it could be a while before Monfils returns to action. Having made a quarter-final run at the 2022 Australian Open and expressed his desire to win at least one major before retiring, Monfils will be eager to return for the 2022 Wimbledon Championships which begin on 27th June.

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