Monfils injury fright

GAEL MONFILS became the latest player to suffer a prewimbledon injury scare after falling at eastbourne last night.

The world No 16 recovered to beat fellow Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-7, 7-6 in their semi-final but needed strapping on his knee after becoming a casualty of the damp Devonshire Park surface.

He required a lengthy stoppage before returning to the court, and showed guts before eventually winning the third-set tie-break.

Assuming he’s fit enough, Monfils will face Novak Djokovic in the final today. The Serb said: ‘Gael is such a dynamic player and unpredictable. He’s got an overall game. He’s got a full package, if you want to call it that way. He’s so athletic. He has a big, big serve, moves around the court very well, plays well at the net, returns. If things come together and if he really wants to perform well, he can beat anyone.’

Monfils, who has never gone beyond the third round at wimbledon, has been drawn against Germany’s world No 214 Daniel Brands in the first round.