Monfils pulls out of Eastbourne

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:35

Gael Monfils has withdrawn from next week’s AEGON International in Eastbourne having not yet recovered from the wrist injury picked up earlier this week at Queen’s.

The Frenchman, set to be the top seed at the new men’s event, withdrew from the AEGON Championships on Wednesday after picking up the injury in his second-round win over Andrey Golubev the day before.

In the women’s event, British No.1 and No.2 Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha and French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova have accepted wild cards. Serbians Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic are also among the strong field in the women’s draw.

“It looks like the perfect place to prepare for Wimbledon – I know that the tournament has great history” – Ivanovic

“I’ve been there once before a few years ago but had to pull out because of injury, and I could see that it’s a very peaceful, relaxed setting,” said former world No.1 Ivanovic. “It looks like the perfect place to prepare for Wimbledon, but it’s also a chance to win a prestigious title – I know that the tournament has great history.

“I’ve always thought that British tennis fans are among the best in the world and I enjoy playing in front of them.”

Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, Vera Zvonareva, Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka are also set to compete.

In the men’s event, Ivan Ljubicic and Tommy Haas are confirmed. Britons Josh Goodall, James Ward and Colin Fleming have taken wild cards.

Haas plays Novak Djokovic in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle today – his first Tour final in two years – after beating compatriot Philipp Kohlschreiber 2-6 7-6(5) 7-6(3). Djokovic survived an error-strewn performance to beat Olivier Rochus 7-6(7) 6-4.

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