WATCH: Gael Monfils Tries To Emulate Roger Federer’s 19-Year-Old Iconic Shot at Indian Wells 2021

Roger Federer is one of the most elegant tennis players of all time. It’s unbelievable how the Swiss maestro hits shots so effortlessly. Federer is currently rehabilitating from his knee surgery but has given some positive development on the same. He also revealed that he hopes to return to the tennis courts very soon.

Gael Monfils is known for his athleticism and his court coverage. The Frenchman has also portrayed some unorthodox tennis shots during his matches. Moreover, people absolutely adore those moments as they draw the loudest cheers. At Indian Wells, Monfils tried to hit an iconic Roger Federer shot, and he almost succeeded.

Gael Monfils emulates Roger Federer

Gael Monfils is through to the round of 16 at Indian Wells. After beating Kevin Anderson in straight sets, Monfils is all set to face Alexander Zverev in his next round. In his match against Kevin Anderson, Monfils tried to emulate a shot Federer hit 19 years ago.

In 2002, when Roger Federer was competing against Andy Roddick, he hit a bizarrely strong shot which stunned everyone, including Roddick. The shot was more like a strong forehand serve during the rally.

Gael Monfils also attempted this shot in his third-round contest against Anderson. However, Monfils missed the point by a very small margin. Monfils was gutted as he found out that the ball landed on the wrong side of the line. Despite missing the interesting shot, Monfils has comfortably reached the top 16 of Indian Wells.

Gael Monfils to face Alexander Zverev in the Round of 16

The Frenchman is playing praiseworthy tennis since US Open 2021. Monfils remarkably reached the semi-finals at Moselle Open and the finals of Sofia Open. However, the Frenchman couldn’t convert those performances into titles. At Indian Wells too, Gael Monfils is showing his class as he has reached the fourth round of the competition after beating Kevin Anderson.

Monfils will be locking horns with the World No. 4 Alexander Zverev. Zverev, who beat the three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in the third round, looks optimistic. The German is having an extraordinary 2021 season as he continues to excel.

It’ll be interesting to see if Monfils can cause an upset against the third-seed.

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