Gael Monfils and Amanda Anisimova in brutal scenes at Miami Open

The tennis world has been left gobsmacked after watching Gael Monfils and Amanda Anisimova retire injured in brutal scenes during the Miami Open. Monfils was involved in devastating scenes to kickstart the Masters event after hobbling off the field in clear pain against Ugo Humbert.

At just 3-3 in the first set, Monfils pulled up short during a point. Humbert started to head back to the bench, but the Frenchman headed straight to the net to signal that he couldn't continue.

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Monfils was clearly in pain as he winced on the bench as he tried to pack up his gear. Tennis fans were left devastated for Monfils who has endured a tough run of injuries in the last few years.

The 36-year-old only returned to tennis after a seven-month layoff last week at Indian Wells. Monfils lost in the first round to Aussie Jordan Thompson in his comeback match.

And Humbert's concern for the much-loved Monfils showed just how the tennis world felt about his latest setback as the Frenchman hobbled off the court. He also wasn't the only one to retire hurt from the game.

Young American sensation Anisimova also withdrew with only a game left in the match against Madison Brengle. Anisimova was 7-6 5-2 down to her compatriot when she called it time.

While the timing of her retirement certainly sparked backlash, it marks a tough time for Anisimova since bursting onto the scene two years ago. Fans were quick to rue the fortune of both players upon their return to the Miami Open.

Monfils underwent heel surgery last year and missed his home grand slam, Roland Garros, and the entire grass court campaign. He returned in Montreal three months later, but suffered another foot injury.

After the match, Monfils said he wouldn't jump to conclusions and would wait for scans before knowing just was had occurred. However, Monfils admitted that he might have to consider his future in the sport if it's serious.

"I don't know, you know. I don't know. Of course, you have goals and you want to achieve some goals, but sometimes you have to have a step back and see," he said.

"And then, of course, if one day I cannot anymore, I cannot anymore. But I will do everything to keep playing." Fans were left especially speechless over Monfils' latest injury.

While Monfils' future in the sport remains uncertain, the Frenchman said the love of the game keeps pushing him to continue.

"The love of the sport, you know, the love of the sport. I love what I'm doing. I love my sport," he said. You know, I could have stopped a long time ago, but I still enjoy it. I'm still enjoying myself."

Alexei Popyrin through after opponent retires

Monfils and Anisimiova weren't they only two players to retire on a brutal day in Miami. Aussie Alexei Popyrin advanced after his rival Mikael Ymer was forced to retire after suffering a brutal ankle injury.

Popyrin won the opening set 7-6 (7-5) before his Swedish rival went down after rolling his ankle during the second set. Ymer was clearly in some pain as Popyrin ran over to help his opponent.

Fortunately, Ymer was able to continue for a short while. Although it wasn't for long as he called it quits at 4-4 in the second set, handing his Aussie opponent a spot in the second round where he will play World No.93 Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands.

with AFP

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