Gael Monfils Withdraws From Wimbledon

June 24, 2008 9:05 a.m. EST

Wimbledon, England -- It was just not meant to be for Gael Monfils, as he withdrew before his first round match up with Australian player Chris Guccione at Wimbledon on Monday.

Monfils was a true Cinderella Story at the French Open, making his first semi finals appearance in a Grand Slam and putting up one heck of a fight against Roger Federer, 2-6, 7-5, 3-6, 5-7

His withdrawal came as a surprise, but Monfils had mentioned that continued playing would risk a long-term injury.

"I think now with more experience I'm sad, but still, I know it's the right decision," Monfils told reporters. "So I stay confident in my decision and I'm not worried about it -- because I know it will be a couple weeks, but still will be good after."

Monfils is currently ranked number 26, and was responsible for knocking out #5 ranked David Ferrer, in front of a home crowd at Roland Garros this year. Had Monfils made it to the third round at Wimbledon, he would have had a chance to face Federer again.