Gael Monfils is showcasing all the skills in his arsenal in the best way possible in his ongoing round of 16 match against Casper Ruud in the 2024 Indian Wells. The Frenchman has already won the first set of the match without any difficulty at all.
Although Ruud seems to be making a comeback in the second set, Monfils is under control, and he is now the favorite to reach the quarterfinals out of these two.
During the first set, when both players had won two games each, Gael Monfils and Casper Ruud shared a phenomenal rally where Gael Monfils flaunted his lightning-fast movement and quick anticipation.
It almost seemed like the Frenchman was preempting all of Ruud’s moves beforehand and he won the rally after one of Casper Ruud’s returns crossed the baseline.
Monfils’ performance so far in the tournament has been great all throughout. He defeated Max Purcell in the first round, Hubert Hurcakz in the second round and Cameron Norrie in the third round to reach the round of 16.
Before this match, Gael Monfils and Casper Ruud had played only one match against each other and the Frenchman emerged victorious in it. From what can be inferred from the match so far, history might repeat itself and Monfils is in a position to extend his record over the Norwegian.
Gael Monfils does not consider himself to be a French legend yet
The Paris Olympics are set to commence in the month of July and following the tradition of the mega event, the host nation, France, will have to choose a legendary athlete from their nation to light the cauldron at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Last time in the Japan Olympics, it was tennis player Naomi Osaka who did the honor. However, the French tennis player completely downplayed his chances of replicating the same this time at the Paris Olympics and said that there are bigger legends in France.
“I think in France we have bigger names, legend(s) of the sport. I think I’m a good guy, good athlete from France, but I’m definitely not a legend of, you know, our beautiful country. I think I have to win Roland Garros if one day, you know, that will be a privilege, but, you know, I think I’m really far from that” he said.
Monfils reached a career high rank of World No. 6 in 2016 during his prime. In reality, Kylian Mbappe might light the Paris Olympics 2024 torch.
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