Gael Monfils Withdraws From Rafael Nadal Semi-Final at Montreal Open 2019

The defending champion, Rafael Nadal reaches the finals of the Montreal Open 2019 as Gael Monfils withdraws from their semifinal clash on Saturday night due to an ankle injury.

Earlier today, Gael Monfils had to dig deep to defeat Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4 3-6 7-6 in two and a half hours in the quarterfinals. Rain on Friday forced the Frenchman and the Spaniard to wait overnight in order to finish the match. However, the poor weather on Saturday caused further delays and the match started two hours after the scheduled time.

Gael Monfils had injured his ankle during the second set against Bautista Agut and required treatment from the physio. The 32-year-old, however, continued and won a thrilling 3-setter before withdrawing from his semifinal match against Rafael Nadal.

Monfils was in doubts after his quarterfinals match as he said in the post-match press conference, “I was happy that I fought no matter what. As I say, I felt good this week, tried to give my best. I think I showed today also that I was a fighter. Now I hope is not that bad.”

The Frenchman further revealed that he does not know how his ankle is and will have to review it with his team. He said, “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know about the ankle. I’m going to find out in a couple of minutes. I need to relax and see in two hours if I’ll be fine to play another match.”

However, 20 minutes before he was due on the Centre Court to face Nadal for a place in the finals, it was announced that the 32-year-old had pulled out from the match due to a sprain in the ankle.

The world No.2, Rafael Nadal will face the sixth-seed, Daniil Medvedev in the finals of the Rogers Cup 2019 as Spaniard aims to defend the first non-clay title of his career.