WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Austria's Jurgen Melzer won the Winston-Salem Open title on Saturday after Frenchman Gael Monfils retired because of an injury.
Melzer led 6-3, 2-1 after breaking Monfils' serve in the second set. During the changeover, Monfils received treatment on his left abdominal muscle and hip before opting to retire at the Wake Forest Tennis Center.
On Friday, Monfils was bothered by a pulled muscle in his left side during his semifinal win against Fernando Verdasco. In the second set Saturday against Melzer, he bent over several times and struggled for velocity on his first serve.
Melzer earned his fifth career ATP tournament title and first this season. His ranking will improve five spots to No. 27 on Monday, when the U.S. Open begins in New York.
Monfils, once ranked seventh in 2011, will improve from No. 43 to No. 38 after making his second tournament final this season.
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