Top-seeded Gael Monfils withdrew from the Sydney International with a shoulder injury on Monday, a week before the start of the Australian Open.
The Frenchman, ranked No. 12, said his right shoulder is inflamed and needs rest. He reached the semifinals at the Brisbane International on the weekend, losing 6-2, 6-1 to Radek Stepanek in an hour.
``It was getting worse and worse,'' Monfils said of the pain during the Brisbane tournament. ``If I keep playing on it, it's going to turn into something chronic.
``So I need to take some days off and just need to think to be 100 percent for Australian Open.''
Monfils had his serving shoulder strapped with tape at the Brisbane tournament and would seek a medical opinion this week.
``I try to stay positive on my participation for the Australian Open.''
Daniel Gimeno-Travers of Spain took Monfils' place in the Sydney draw.
