Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images

Ex-world number six forced to quit as winless run since Wimbledon persists

Originally posted on HITC | By Cameron Greenlees | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 7:02 AM ET

The ATP Tour schedule has picked back up following the US Open, with two 250-level events getting started in China.

Over at the Hangzhou Open, Daniil Medvedev is preparing for a new chapter alongside coach Thomas Johansson, having recently ended his long-term partnership with Gilles Cervara.

Andrey Rublev and Alexander Bublik are also looking to start their Asian swing on a high note as they open their campaigns.

However, one former world number six has had a tough start to the Chengdu Open after picking up an injury in his opening match.

Gael Monfils hit with another setback after retiring in Chengdu

Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images

Gael Monfils was forced to retire from his opening match at the Chengdu Open, cutting short what had been a promising start against Alexander Shevchenko due to an ankle injury.

The Frenchman won the first set but rolled his ankle late in the second, eventually deciding he could not continue while trailing 7-6, 3-6, 0-1.

Having won the first-set tiebreak, the 38-year-old was nearing his first win since Wimbledon.

Tournament	Result	Lost To
Washington Open	First Round	Wu Yibing (6-3, 6-1)
Canadian Open	First Round	Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera (6-4, 4-6, 7-6)
Cincinnati Open	First Round	Nishesh Basavareddy (Walkover)
US Open	First Round	Roman Safiullin (6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 3-6)
Chengdu Open	First Round	Alexander Shevchenko (7-6, 3-6, 0-1, Walkover)

Gael Monfils results on the ATP Tour since Wimbledon

Since reaching the second round at the All England Club, Monfils has been eliminated in the first round of every subsequent tournament. He withdrew from both the Cincinnati Open and the Chengdu Open, allowing his opponents to advance by walkover.

Alexander Shevchenko comments on Gael Monfils’ injury after Chengdu opener

Shevchenko spoke about the unfortunate end to his match against Gael Monfils, who had to retire due to an ankle injury.

The Kazakhstani expressed his respect for Monfils and wished him a quick recovery, saying: “He’s my childhood hero, I enjoy watching him so much, and I wish him a fast recovery. He’s incredible; there are so many people looking up to him.”

Shevchenko moves on to face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the second round of the Chengdu Open.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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