Gaël Monfils recently became a target of brutal criticism after his failed ‘jump’ smash at the ASB Classic. A seasoned tennis pundit threw shade at the French tennis player by comparing his ‘unsuccessful’ shot to his competitive journey on the tour. Surprisingly, Nick Kyrgios, who is known for his blunt demeanor, came to his ATP colleague’s defense on social media.
As an unexpected ally of Monfils, the Australian tennis star reminded the tennis pundit about the Frenchman’s remarkable achievements on the tour. After his candid response, another popular figure in the tennis community has now sided with Nick Kyrgios over the controversial tweet about Monfils.
Gaël Monfils has always been a gentleman and a great sportsman
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While sharing a video clip of Monfils’ failed huge jump smash, the tennis commentator and analyst Myles David recently made some brutal remarks about the Frenchman. He tweeted, “This kind of point sums up Gael Monfils’ tennis career. Spectacular but not successful. In my opinion.”
Taking note of those hurtful comments, the American former tennis player James Blake recently dropped his honest reaction on Twitter. He stated, “The guy was/is a legend. I competed against him numerous times. Wins and losses, he always conducted himself as a gentleman and great sportsman.
The guy was/is a legend. I competed against him numerous times. Wins and losses, he always conducted himself as a gentleman and great sportsman. There have been so many entertaining shots and matches throughout his career to entertain the fans like no other. https://t.co/Pu8zTfCHCA
— James Blake (@JRBlake) January 9, 2024
While hailing him as a ‘legend,’ Blake also opened up about how Monfils has always displayed great sportsmanship. The former world No. 4 player also lavished praise on Monfils’ wide range of ‘entertaining’ shots on the court by saying, “There have been so many entertaining shots and matches throughout his career to entertain the fans like no other.”
Blake went on to say that there’s no reason to criticize someone with a ‘genuinely kind and enjoyable’ demeanor. In the comments section, the former tennis pro also shut down a fan who disagreed with his assertions about Monfils being a ‘legend.’
Seems like there is no reason to attack a genuinely kind and enjoyable personality that has gotten so much out of his career, especially when you look at his longevity. Good luck in Melbourne Le Monf.
— James Blake (@JRBlake) January 9, 2024
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“Fun and entertaining player. He’s obviously not a legend. I’m sure you’re just being nice to a fellow competitor and using hyperbole, however, words have proper meanings,” the fan commented. It received a quick response from Blake, who said, “I’m aware of the meaning. Ask a Frenchman if he will be remembered for generations. Legend.”
I’m aware of the meaning. Ask a Frenchman if he will be remembered for generations. Legend.
— James Blake (@JRBlake) January 10, 2024
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What do you think of the French tennis player becoming a target of scrutiny after his failed smash on the court? Let us know in the comments section.
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