Frenchman Gael Monfils loves to entertain tennis fans and hence is fondly known as the showman. With his acrobatic shots and quick reflexes, Monfils finds himself as the center of attraction during his matches. The Frenchman’s skills were on display in his second-round match at the 2024 Indian Wells as the 37-year-old beat Hubert Hurkacz.
While Monfils is well-known for his on-court skills, there is a secret hobby that the Frenchman has been pursuing for a long time now and the public is unaware of it completely. Monfils has revealed that he has had a love for magic shows since his childhood.
The 37-year-old has even claimed that he himself tries a few tricks sometimes. Monfils said that ever since he watched a magic show during his childhood days, he has developed a love for illusion and magic. The veteran tennis star also aims to pursue a profession once he hangs his racket.
I have liked magic for a long time, but I kept it a little bit secret in a way. Because in the back of my mind after tennis, I want to do something with magic. When I was younger with my parents, they brought me to see a magician and I really liked the spirit of the show. Then I was trying myself a little bit. Gael Monfils confessed to the ATP Tour.
Monfils talked about meeting a magician and learning the art of magic.
When I was growing up, I was trying to do a couple of tricks. And then I met a really nice magician, who actually helped develop myself to the highest level. And definitely now, towards the end of my career, I'm thinking maybe I will do something with magic. It would be cocky to say that I practise, but I just do tricks for fun. The Frenchman revealed.
Gael Monfils expresses shock at an obvious sign going unnoticed
Gael Monfils also expressed shock at the fact that no one actually noticed that the Frenchman has a soft corner for magic. The 37-year-old has a card tattoo on his right hand which he claims resembles his love for illusion.
Monfils said that he is surprised that no one noticed the tattoo all these years. He then took pride in it saying that it was a trick.
I like cards. I like illusion. I love cards. But if you watch me from the beginning, no one has paid attention that I liked magic. I have my tattoo, and it has always been there, but no one has noticed. That is the trick! No one noticed this. This [tattoo] has always been there. Gael Monfils said.
Notably, Gael Monfils has advanced to the third round at the first ATP Masters of the season and will be up against Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the third round. It is to be seen if the winner of 12 tour-level titles manages to topple Norrie or if it will be the end of the road for Monfils.
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