French Open event ruined as world No. 19 makes sudden announcement | Tennis | Sport

Fils was due to play fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils on Yannick Noah Day, a fun charity day in preparation for the Major that gets underway on Sunday. Suzanne Lenglen Stadium, which holds 10,068, was packed out to watch two of their stars take centre stage.

However, while they gathered in anticipation, Fils was calling a sudden press conference to announce that he would be pulling out of the French Open, and his exhibition with Monfils.

“Just quick, I have to say something quickly, I’m not going to be able to play here this year,” the world No. 19 said. “It’s a shame, of course. I’m very sorry about it, and yeah, that’s it.

“The practice today was my first-ever points since two weeks in Rome. I will not be fit 100 per cent to play the tournament, and I will not take any risk like I did last year. I don’t want to be stupid.”

It is the second consecutive year that Fils, an in-form clay star, has been forced to withdraw from his home Slam.

And those waiting on Lenglen found out at the same time as the rest of the world that Fils would not be competing in front of them.

Fans had already seen Coco Gauff beat Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-3 on Lenglen, while Elina Svitolina won against fellow WTA star Jessica Pegula 6-4, and Jannik Sinner warmed up for the Slam with a 6-2 win over Alexander Blockx.

Fils vs Monfils was set to be one of the showpiece events, with the latter competing at Roland Garros for the final time in his glittering career before retirement.

A doubles match between John McEnroe/Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet/Mansour Bahrami ends the day, though those on Lenglet had to wait over 40 minutes for the icons to take to the court.