Foot Fault!

Over the years, Gael Monfils has become one of the most frustrating players to watch and support. While he is one of the most incredible athletic specimens in the history of the game, and posesses a thunderous serve and extremely capable groundstrokes, year after year we have had to sit through him making a mockery of his talent – apparently being more interested and obsessed in flinging himself around the court and entertaining the crowd, rather than actually winning and taking home the biggest prizes. One thing agreed among most is that if Gael Monfils can find a way to get his head together and set his priorities straight, there is so much for him to achieve in tennis.

Could this week be that very turning point in his career? The last three days has seen him take out (10)Fernando Verdasco, (4)Andy Murray and (1)Roger Federer. He defeated all in three sets, and has saved a grand total of 7 match points altogether. He came out playing the attacking tennis that he is easily capable of – serving big, smashing down 117mph forehands at will, and showing intelligence and nerves of steel at crucial moments. No matter what, he is always going to end up spread-eageled on the floor at least once or twice a match. But this week, gone are the unnecessary theatrics. Gone are the irresponsible dives and lunges that almost always end up in horrific self-inflicted injuries. And he no longer seems to be more focused on the crowd than his actual game. It has been all about the tennis, and all about winning.

The question is whether he can take this form and mentality to every tournament single match he plays. It’s all good and well to give a fuck for one or two tournaments per year, but can he finally take that leap of faith and commit himself fully to becoming one of the world’s best tennis players, competing for all Grand Slams and permanantly placing his name amongst the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray? Only time will tell. But if this week does prove to be the turning point in Gael Monfils’ career, 2011 better watch out.