By Chris Oddo Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve
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(Wednesday, February 15, 2012)
For the second straight year, Frenchman Gael Monfils has been forced to withdraw from the SAP Open in San Jose due to injury. Last year, Monfils pulled out of the ATP 250 event with a wrist injury after reaching the semifinals and he did not return to the court until April.
Citing “patella inflammation” in his right knee, the 25-year-old world No. 13 has announced he will also pull out of next week’s Memphis event and will decide on Indian Wells and Miami after getting an MRI and consulting with doctors in France.
Monfils was held out of part of last weekend’s France-Canada Davis Cup tie due to the injury, but eventually played a dead rubber last Sunday. He also participated in Monday’s doubles exhibition in San Jose.
Lucky loser Blake Strode will replace Monfils in the SAP Open draw, making his ATP debut.