French star Gael Monfils has withdrawn from this week’s Medibank International where he was top seed.

Monfils cited an injury to his right shoulder which plagued him last week in Brisbane during his run to the semi-finals. It affects his serving and so leaves him as a possible doubt for the Australian Open which begins next Monday.

Monfils is still hopeful of competing, saying the injury just requires several days rest and some treatment with the physio.

“I think I have an inflammation, and I am injured since last week in the tournament in Brisbane.  It was getting worse and worse.  If I keep playing on it, it’s gonna turn into something chronic I think,” Monfils said.

“I hope to be fit for the Australian Open.  To be honest, I plan to try and hit a little bit in the middle of this week, and try to serve by the end of this week and then see.  But I really hope so.”

Monfils is not ruling out anything more serious and is also getting an X-ray on the injury.

You can watch the Medibank International live for free this week on bet365. Simply go to Bet365>livestreaming>tennis.