Groin Injury Knocks Monfils Out of Paris

Novak Djokovic advanced to the Rolex Paris Masters quarterfinals without striking a shot.Gael Monfils, Djokovic's scheduled round-of-16 opponent today, withdrew from Bercy due to a strained groin he suffered in his 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 win over compatriot Adrian Mannarino yesterday.More: Nadal Aims for Abu Dhabi ReturnMonfils said yesterday he was unsure if he would be fit enough to face Djokovic, who owns a 17-0 lifetime record over the Frenchman.

Unfortunately @Gael_Monfils has withdrawn from his #RolexParisMasters last 16 match with Novak Djokovic 😔Get well soon, Gaël 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LdKfI9bkcJ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 4, 2021

"I'm going to have an x-ray, so we'll see how my body will react," Monfils said yesterday. "When I'm 100% fit, I have not defeated ever Djokovic so far, so now that I'm not 100% fit, my chances are very low. I will see what decision I will make. We'll see."The 35-year-old Frenchman's departure from the draw sends world No. 1 Djokovic into his 87th career ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal, which ties rival Roger Federer for second-most all time behind Rafael Nadal, who has made 97 Masters quarterfinals.Five-time Paris champion Djokovic will play either Indian Wells champion Cameron Norrie or Taylor Fritz for a semifinal spot.Photo credit: Sofia Open Facebook