French Open: Flying Frenchman Gael Monfils Goes Airborne for Craziest Shot Ever
Facing Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff for a French Open third round berth, France's Gael Monfils leapt to his right in a brave but fruitless effort to retrieve a return.
Flying Frenchman Gael Monfils became an internet sensation on Friday after a spectacular diving attempt to reach a ball at Roland Garros.
Facing Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff for a third round berth, Monfils leapt to his right in a brave but fruitless effort to retrieve a return.
Monfils was airborne and parallel with the ground on the Philippe Chatrier court as his body, racquet and ball went flying.
"It was not a great dive, you know. I think it was 5 out of 10," joked the 27-year-old.
"Between you and me, I'm not stupid because when you dive it's hard ground on the floor. I'm not Iron Man. So I'm happy people like it, but I'm not doing that to show off."
Monfils, the 23rd seed beat Struff 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-1 and next plays colourful Italian Fabio Fognini of Italy.
Monfils' spectacular dive can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwbJfgPVThE