Gael Monfils out of France team for Hopman Cup with leg injury
Saturday 2 January 2016 12:56, UK
Gael Monfils has withdrawn from next week's Hopman Cup in Perth after suffering a leg injury.
Monfils was due to partner Caroline Garcia in the French team for the mixed team event and will be replaced by Kenny De Schepper.
"I was really looking forward to travelling to Perth for the first time and teaming up with Caroline Garcia," said world No 24 Monfils.
The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 18 and Monfils, 29, will be hoping to be fit by then.
Hopman Cup tournament director Paul Kilderry said: "It's unfortunate to hear Gael is unable to play in Perth. We wish him well over the next couple of weeks ahead of the Aussie Open."
De Schepper and Garcia's opening match on Monday is against the British pairing of Andy Murray and Heather Watson.
The United States are represented by world No 1 Serena Williams and Jack Sock and they also start their campaign on Monday against Elina Svitolina and Alexandra Dolgopolov of Ukraine.
