French Open event ruined as world No. 19 makes heartbreaking announcement

Thousands of fans at the French Open were met with disappointment to discover that home favourite Arthur Fills was withdrawing from the Grand Slam, at the exact moment they were waiting for him to take part in an exhibition match at the tournament. Fils was due to play fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils on Yannick Noah Day, a fun charity day in preparation for the Major, which gets underway on Sunday. Suzanne Lenglen Stadium, which holds 10,068, was packed out to watch two of their stars take centre stage. Get tennis news, scores and tournament results plus selected offers and competitions We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy However, while they gathered in anticipation, Fils was calling a sudden press conference to announce that he would be pulling out of the French Open, and his exhibition with Monfils. "Just quick, I have to say something quickly, I'm not going to be able to play here this year," the world No. 19 said. "It's a shame, of course. I'm very sorry about it, and yeah, that's it." EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page It is the second consecutive year that Fils, an in-form clay star, has been forced to withdraw from his home Slam. And those waiting on Lenglen found out at the same time as the rest of the world that Fils would not be competing in front of them. Fils vs Monfils was set to be one of the showpiece events, with the latter competing at Roland Garros for the final time in his glittering career before retirement. A doubles match between John McEnroe/Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet/Mansour Bahrami ends the day, though those on Lenglet had to wait over 40 minutes for the icons to take to the court.