Former world number six retires with injury again as his losing streak since Wimbledon continues

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The first ATP tournaments since the conclusion of the US Open are officially underway, with two 250 events kicking off in China.

At the Hangzhou Open, Daniil Medvedev will begin a fresh start alongside his new coach, Thomas Johansson, after parting ways with longtime mentor Gilles Cervara.

Meanwhile, the likes of Andrey Rublev and Alexander Bublik will look to get their Asian swing off to a strong start in their opening matchups.

One former world number four is off to a nightmare start, however, after suffering an injury in his first clash at the Chengdu Open.

Former ATP champion forced to retire due to injury in Chengdu

ATP veteran Gael Monfils‘ campaign in Chengdu came to an abrupt end after being forced to retire due to an ankle injury in his clash with Alexander Shevchenko.

Monfils drew first blood against Shevchenko, but rolled his ankle late in the second set before ultimately calling a halt to the contest at 7-6, 3-6, 0-1.

After triumphing in the first-set tiebreak, the Frenchman was closing in on his first victory since Wimbledon.

The 38-year-old has exited in the first round of every event he has appeared at since his second-round finish at the All England Club.

In his exits at the Cincinnati Open and the Chengdu Open, Monfils’ opponents advanced via a walkover.

Alexander Shevchenko reacts after Gael Monfils’ ankle injury

Speaking in his on-court interview after his match with Monfils, Shevchenko wished his opponent well.

The Kazakh said: “I loved every second of the match, and I really didn’t want to end it like this.

“He’s my childhood hero, I enjoy watching him so much, and I wish him a fast recovery. He’s incredible; there are so many people looking up to him.”

In the second round at the Chengdu Open, Shevchenko will take on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.