Monfils pulls from Rotterdam as return hopes fade

Hope of Gael Monfils ending what is now a six-month absence from tennis and return to the courts faded further as the Frenchman pulled out of next week’s ATP Rotterdam event.

The one-time world No. 6 has not played since losing in the Montreal second round, saying at the time he wanted to take time to heal injuries and refresh himself.

With that pause now at the half-year mark with no signs of ending, hopes are fading that the 36-year-old showman will ever make it back to the Tour.

Monfils and wife Elina Svitolina – whose own career has been put on hold after giving birth last autumn – have other things on their plate. 

Ukrainian Svitolina, who once ranked third on the WTA, is involved from her Swiss base with working on war relief and weapons for her native country as the Russian invasion continues.

Monfils won Rotterdam titles in 2019-2020 but has not returned since to the Dutch port city.

Main photo:- Australian Open 2022 Gael Monfils celebrates fourth round Match win by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd