HALLE (GermanY): Gael Monfils announced that he’s skipping Wimbledon again, after reaching the quarterfinals of the Gerry Weber Open on Wednesday
Monfils beat qualifier Jan Hernych 6-2, 6-3, then said he withdrew his request for a wild card at Wimbledon because he had to deal with a personal problem.
The Frenchman gave no details.
Monfils was once ranked No. 7 in the world, but the Frenchman missed several months last year because of a knee injury.
He was ranked No. 119 in May before jumping up to No. 67.
Monfils, who has never gotten past the third round at Wimbledon, said it was a pity he would have to miss it for the second straight year and fourth time in six years, especially because he felt he was beginning to play better on grass.
”I was happy, I was having fun,” Monfils said.
”Grass is not natural for me, but I am getting better. I have to focus on not falling, not injuring myself.
“I cannot take off as fast as I want to and I have problems braking.
“But I was comfortable today, I was leading all the time.” (AP)