In a shocking turn of events, the beloved French tennis star Gael Monfils has pulled out of the 2025 Shanghai Masters due to a painful ankle injury, raising significant concerns about his future in the sport. At 39 years old, Monfils’s latest setback could mark the end of his appearances in Asia, a region where he has garnered immense support and admiration from fans throughout his illustrious career.
Monfils’s misfortune became apparent during his brief stint at the Chengdu Open, where he faced Alexander Shevchenko in the opening round. What began as a competitive match quickly spiraled into disappointment when Monfils, battling through the first two sets, was forced to retire with a scoreline of 7-6, 3-6, 0-1. The sight of Monfils crumpling to the ground in agony was heart-wrenching for spectators and players alike. Though he tried to persist after receiving treatment from a physiotherapist, the former US Open semifinalist ultimately recognized that he could not continue.
In the wake of his early exit, Monfils took to social media to share his struggles with fans. With candor and vulnerability, he reflected on the challenges he has faced in recent months. “Well… it’s clearly not the best moment of my career right now, let’s not kid ourselves (there’s a lot going on, a lot of questions… but oh well). Not the best vibes, no success, and today the ankle gives out, bad luck.” Despite the turmoil, he remained optimistic about his personal well-being, stating, “But honestly, I’m doing super well as a person and that’s the main thing.”
The decision to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters was hardly unexpected. Ankle injuries are notoriously tricky, especially for an athlete of Monfils’s age, and the rehabilitation process could extend far longer than he would like. His resilience in competing at such a high level at 39 is commendable, yet the recurring nature of his ankle issues raises serious questions about how much longer he can continue his professional journey in tennis.
As Monfils grapples with his injury, the tennis world’s attention shifts to the Shanghai Masters, where other titans of the game, including Novak Djokovic, are set to compete. Djokovic, fresh off his semifinal defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open, has been contemplating his future tournament schedule. He has proclaimed that Grand Slams are his primary focus, but his mindset may evolve as he gears up for Shanghai, especially considering the fierce competition posed by both Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the upcoming Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.
As fans rally behind Monfils during this challenging time, the tennis community remains hopeful for his swift recovery. His heartfelt message of gratitude to supporters underscores the bond he has cultivated with fans, and they, in turn, are eager to see him return to the court, embodying the passion and spirit that have made him a cherished figure in the world of tennis.
