Gael Monfils stunned Rafael Nadal

Gael Monfils stunned Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-4 in the semifinals of the ATP's Qatar Open on Friday to line up an unexpected all-French final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with back spasms.  Monfils, who had only beaten Nadal once before in nine meetings, started well with a strong first serve and an ability to chase down nearly every shot. Monfils broke Nadal to go up 4-2 in the first set. Nadal recovered to lead 4-1 in the second set but Monfils stepped up his game. He won 16 of 21 points - including several jump volleys - to go 5-4 up before closing out the match when Nadal hit a return wide."I just played my game," said Monfils, who swept aside Viktor Troicki of Serbia to reach the semis. The match was overshadowed by Federer withdrawing only 30 minutes before he was to play Tsonga. The 16-time Grand Slam winner said his back had not improved since beating Andreas Seppi in three sets on Thursday. Federer, who was looking for his fourth title in Doha, apologised to organisers but said he didn't want to risk further injury ahead of the Australian Open, which starts 16th January. It is only the second time the 30-year-old Swiss has pulled out of a tournament due to injury in his illustrious career. He withdrew from the quarterfinals at the 2008 Paris Masters, also because of a back injury.