World number 20 Gael Monfils suffered an injury scare ahead of the Australian Open after retiring hurt at the Adelaide International 2 on January 12.
Monfils, the No.1 seed, was locked at one-set apiece against world No.83 Thiago Monteiro when he pulled the pin after losing the opening game of the third set.
The 35-year-old Frenchman looked like he sustained a neck or shoulder injury before the start of the Australian Open.
Before his withdrawal, Monfils had been building nicely towards the season-opening major after winning the Adelaide International 1 last week.
It was Monfils’ first ATP title in almost two years and the 6-4 6-4 triumph over Russian Karen Khachanov in the final sparked hope Monfils could embark on a deep run at the Australian Open.
Why did Gael Monfils retire in early January?
He decided to call it quits after dropping the first game of the deciding set against Brazilian Monteiro.
The injury meant he missed his 17th Australian Open, 14th consecutively.
Does Monfils still play tennis?
He has not retired from the game entirely. He is currently nursing his injury and hope to return soon.
