The Golden Swing of the tennis tour is a wonderful period of the calendar, and perhaps underutilised given the popularity of the sport in this corner of the world.
After all, we have already seen how the Brazilians will happily travel in force to support Joao Fonseca, a teenage sensation who is yet to accomplish anything overwhelming during his short playing career.
Alas, the fact that it is shoehorned into this small window signifies how underappreciated South America is as a tennis nation.
With tournaments in Brazil, Chile and Argentina, and previous events in Ecuador and Mexico, this is a crucial stretch for some players and fans.
However, the recent blows that the Rio Open has taken might take the gloss off this particular event for those who were planning on travelling to watch.
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After all, following his injury at the Australian Open, Lorenzo Musetti was forced to pull out not that long ago.
This saw the Golden Swing lose arguably its biggest profile and highest-ranked participant, leaving others to hopefully still provide enough of a draw to fill seats.
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Sadly, one of tennis’ great entertainers has now dropped out as well, with Gael Monfils withdrawing in what he has said will be his final year on tour.
The Frenchman claimed: “I’m very sad to have to withdraw from the Rio Open. I did everything I could to get fit, but unfortunately I’m dealing with a virus that is greatly affecting my health and preventing me from travelling.
“At this moment, the priority is my health, and I need time to recover and be able to return to the courts. I love playing in Rio and I apologise to the fans and the tournament for not being able to be with you.”
Gael Monfils’ nightmare start to his farewell season
Ever since Monfils announced that 2026 would be his final season on tour, things have fallen apart for the 39-year-old.
It all started with a first-round exit in Brisbane, throwing his one-set lead as he lost to Fábián Marozsán.
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He then travelled to Melbourne, but again failed to make it past the first round. He surrendered another one-set lead, losing in four sets to Dane Sweeny.
And now, his participation in the entire Golden Swing is up in the air, having withdrawn from events in Buenos Aires and Rio.
It remains to be seen whether Monfils will recover in time for the tournament in Acapulco.
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