MIAMI GARDENS, March 23 — French veteran Gael Monfils was forced to retire during his first round match at the Miami Open dealing a blow to his return from a lengthy injury absence.
The 36-year-old left the court, wincing in pain with his match with compatriot Ugo Humbert at 3-3 in the first set.
At Indian Wells, Monfils lost to Jordan Thompson in straight sets in the first round, in what was his first tournament in seven months.
Last year Monfils had heel surgery after missing the French Open and the entire grass season.
His return from a three months absence, in Montreal, saw him suffer a foot injury and ended his season in October.
Monfils was the second Frenchman to retire on Wednesday with Arthur Rinderknech quitting his tie with Japan's Taro Daniel in the first-set after receiving medical treatment.
Rinderknech, who was 4-1 down at the time he retired, was suffering from abdominal problems, according to a tournament spokesperson.
Umbert will face 29th seeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round. — AFP
