Monfils Causes Match Interruption After Hitting Advertising Board in Washington

Gaël Monfils made his singles debut at the ATP 500 tournament in Washington this Tuesday. After losing in doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios yesterday, the Frenchman faced Wu Yibing, ranked 243rd in the world and coming through the qualifiers.

However, just as the two players had barely started their match, play was interrupted for several minutes as early as the second game. After winning his first service game, Monfils collided with an advertising board near the court and injured his right foot during his first return points.

The supervisor intervened, but not the physio, as Monfils believed he didn’t need treatment. He eventually resumed play after awkwardly putting the advertising board back in place. Leading 2-1 at one point, he then conceded five of the last six games in the first set and now finds himself with his back against the wall.