Gael Monfils will not be playing one of his scheduled ATP tournaments ever again after pulling out with less than a week to go.
Monfils is retiring from tennis this year, with the Frenchman set to bring an end to his 22-year career with a farewell tour.
However, the former world number six is yet to win a match this year, with Monfils losing in the first round of the Australian Open and the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Monfils has actually lost his last seven consecutive matches, but he will have to wait even longer to end that run after withdrawing from his next tournament.
Gael Monfils releases statement after withdrawing from the Argentina Open
As part of Monfils’ retirement tour this year, he had received a wildcard for the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
However, that will no longer be happening for Monfils, who has confirmed he is pulling out from the tournament due to feeling unwell.
In a social media video announcing his withdrawal, Monfils apologised to fans hoping to see him in the Argentine capital.
“I’m really sorry that I need to announce that I cannot play in Buenos Aires this year,” said Monfils. “I came back home after Australia and I got sick, as you can hear and see I’m really unwell.
“Of course my doctor told me that I need more weeks to recover, I couldn’t practice, I couldn’t move now for several days, so I’m really sorry that I have to announce that I cannot play.
“Hopefully I will come after my career to visit your beautiful tournament, but I wish you all a great week and hopefully I’ll see you soon guys.”
Monfils is not the only big name to have withdrawn from the ATP 250 event next week, with top seed Lorenzo Musetti, who retired with injury at the Australian Open, also unable to recover in time.
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Monfils will now have a few weeks to recover from his illness ahead of his next tournament, which will be at the end of the month.
The 39-year-old is entered into the Mexican Open in Acapulco, which is also set to feature Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur and Ben Shelton.
Monfils will then likely remain in North America for the sunshine double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open, but he will require a wildcard after falling to world number 165 in the ATP rankings.
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Then all his attention will be on the clay court swing, as Monfils looks to prepare for his final appearance at Roland Garros.
While it has been announced by the player himself, former world number one Andy Roddick has actually doubted Monfils’ retirement.
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