Injured Frenchman Gael Monfils pulls out of Hopman Cup

New Delhi: French tennis player Gael Monfils has withdrawn from the Hopman Cup after an unspecified leg injury. He will be replaced by Kenny De Schepper in the mixed-team event in Perth.

“I’m disappointed that I have to withdraw from the Hopman Cup,” HopmanCup.com quoted Monfils as saying on Thursday.

“I was really looking forward to travelling to Perth for the first time and teaming up with Caroline Garcia.

“I wish Kenny and Caroline the best of luck and hope they can hold up that prestigious trophy.”

It has also put the No. 24-ranked player's participation in the season opening Grand Slam, the the Australian Open, which begins on January 18 in Melbourne

Hopman Cup Tournament Director Paul Kilderry said it is disappointing to hear the news but wished him a speedy recovery.

"It’s unfortunate to hear Gael is unable to play in Perth. We wish him well over the next couple of weeks ahead of the Aussie Open.

“We are pleased to welcome Kenny to the Hopman Cup field. We know how excited he will be to play on centre court at Perth Arena with Caroline next week," Kilderry said.

Garcia and De Schepper play their first match on Monday against the British pair of Andy Murray and Heather Watson.

France are in Group B along with Australia Green (Daria Gavrilova and Nick Kyrgios), Germany (Sabine Lisicki and Alexander Zverev) and Great Britain.