Gael Monfils withdraws from French Open due to viral infection

World number 14 Gael Monfils has pulled out of the French Open due to a viral infection.

The Frenchman recently competed in the Madrid Masters and Italian Open, but suffered early exits in both tournaments.

The 29-year-old, who reached the final of the Monte Carlo Masters in April, has had problems with a hamstring injury of late, but an infection has forced him out of the second Grand Slam of the year.

The French Tennis Federation has confirmed that Monfils was advised by doctors to sit out of the clay-court tournament.

Monfils is the second major player in the men's side to withdraw from Roland Garros following Roger Federer's decision to pull out because of a back injury.