"There is concern," admits Gaston after his withdrawal against Altmaier in Metz
Hugo Gaston was forced to withdraw during his round of 16 match at the Metz tournament against Daniel Altmaier due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Gaston did not finish his match against Daniel Altmaier the way he had hoped. The Frenchman, who suffered the Achilles tendon injury after a serve at 5-4 30/0 on his serve in the first set, managed to finish the first set, before failing to win a single game against the German in the second set.
Forced to retire, the world number 98 will undergo tests in the coming hours to determine the nature of his injury, as he confirmed in a press conference after his defeat (4-6, 6-0 ret.).
"There was no noise, I just felt a pain in my right Achilles tendon. The physios asked me if my foot had twisted on the push-off, but I don't think so. I managed to finish the set but it hurt immediately. I could still run, but I was thinking about the pain.
I tried to continue but it wasn't possible. Going back on the court, getting injured again and being out for six months wouldn't have made sense. We saw what happened recently to Lucas (Pouille) or Holger (Rune), who both ruptured an Achilles tendon, even though I'm not at that stage, at least I hope not.
But right now, of course, there is concern. When my foot is flat, it's okay, but when it's extended, it hurts. It was no longer possible to push off on the serve. I will try to get tests done tomorrow (Thursday) and we'll see what happens," assured the 25-year-old Gaston to L'Équipe.
