TENNIS in DEPTH.

Top seed Gael Monfils has withdrawn from the Medibank International Sydney with a shoulder injury which also has the Frenchman in doubt for the Australian Open starting in Melbourne next Monday.

Monfils says his right serving shoulder is inflamed and requires several days’ rest.

“I think I have an inflammation, and I am injured since last week in the tournament in Brisbane. It was getting worse and worse. I had little hope to be a bit better, but I think it’s gonna be — if I’m keep going playing on it, it’s gonna turn into something chronic I think,” Monfils said on Monday.

“So I need to take some days off and just need to think to be 100% for Australian Open.”

The world No.12 is hopeful of being fit for the opening grand slam of the year, but won’t make a decision until later this week.

“I hope so. To be honest, like I plan maybe try to hit a little bit middle of this week, and try to serve end of this week and to see. But I really hope so.

“I have treatment with my physio, and then maybe I will try to make some x-ray to see exactly what it is. I try to stay positive on my participation for the Australian Open.”

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