Monfils Named Second Wildcard for Winston-Salem Open

Written by: Staff on 4th August 2012

Monfils Named Second Wildcard for Winston-Salem Open

epa03218735 French tennis player Gael Monfils returns the ball to Russian Alex Bogomolov in their match at the Italian Open Tennis Tournament (ATP World Tour), at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy, 14 May 2012. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI |

Gael Monfils will compete in the Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University Aug. 18-25. He is the second wildcard player named to the tournament and is currently ranked No. 19 after being as high as No. 7 in the world in April 2011.

Many tennis observers consider Monfils to be the most athletic player on the ATP World Tour. He has won four career ATP World Tour titles and has been a runner-up 13 times, including twice earlier this year. Monfils lost the Doha final to Tsonga early in the year. He holds an impressive junior record, including being a former World No. 1 junior.

Monfils missed the Olympics, Wimbledon and Roland Garros because of a right knee injury and has not played competitively since May. The Winston-Salem Open will be the first tournament where he competes since returning from his injury.

“The addition of Gael Monfils makes an already-strong field of top-ranked world competitors even stronger, and we’re thrilled that he will be coming to Winston-Salem,” Oakes said. “He is widely known for being a lively and entertaining player to watch on the courts, much like his best friend Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who is also will be competing in the Winston-Salem Open.”

Tickets to the Winston-Salem Open are available online at www.winstonsalemopen.com, by calling (336) 758-6409 or in person at the Wake Forest ticket office located at Bridger Field House at BB&T Field.

Topics: American tennis news, Bridger Field House at BB&T Field, French tennis news, Gael Monfils, Sports, Tennis News, Winston-Salem Open 2012