Double fault as Gael Monfils joins Andre Agassi on World Challenge exit list, Marcos Baghdatis called in at last minute

FRENCH star Gael Monfils has pulled out of the World Tennis Challenge to focus on his Australian Open campaign, with Marcos Baghdatis a late replacement for Tuesday’s session.

Frenchman Gael Monfils in his match against Thanasi Kokkinakis at the World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide on Monday. Picture: AAP Image/Brenton Edwards

SOUTH Australia’s premier tennis event, the World Tennis Challenge, has been hit with another withdrawal from the tournament.

French Tennis star Gael Monfils has pulled out of Tuesday night’s matchup with American Frances Tiafoe after losing to South Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis on Monday night.

Monfils departure follows the withdrawal of the the event’s marquee attraction, Andre Agassi, before the competition began.

The past two events have been rocked by it biggests stars pulling out before the tournament started. Last year it was Nick Kyrgios with injury and then Agassi this year.

Marcos Baghdatis in action at the 2015 World Tennis Challenge.

Popular Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, the runner-up at the 2006 Australian Open, will replace Monfils on Tuesday night.

Monfils made the decision to withdraw to concentrate on his Australian Open preparations.

“We wish Gael all the best for his Australian Open run and hope to welcome him back to Adelaide in the future,” World Tennis Challenge general manager David Hearne said.

“While we are sad to see him go, we could not be more excited to welcome back former world No. 8 Marcos Baghdatis.

“Marcos is a favourite with the Australian fans and will be sure to entertain the Adelaide crowd when he takes on rising American Frances Tiafoe this evening,” Hearne added.

The remainder of the World Tennis Challenge 2018 schedule will consist of:

Tuesday, 6.30pm:

Team USA v Team International

Bryan/Bryan v Murray/Soares

Tiafoe v Baghdatis

Ginepri/Bahrami v Wilander/Leconte

Wednesday, 6.30pm:

Team Australia v Team USA

Peers/Kontinen v Bryan/Bryan

Kokkinakis v Tiafoe

Philippoussis/Bahrami v Ginepri/Leconte

Originally published as Double fault as Gael Monfils joins Andre Agassi on World Challenge exit list, Marcos Baghdatis called in at last minute