That's it. No debating. Just wanted to remind those who will view this.
Obviously, depends on how you define "talent".
Monfils is without a doubt on the short list of most physically gifted players ever. But, the definition of talent could include some of the mental aspects of the game as well, IMO, where he falls short.
From just a physical standpoint though, the guy has been blessed with more than any player I've ever seen. Size, length, speed, agility, you name it, he's got it. Imagine if any of the Big 4 had Monfils physical makeup. How would you get anything by them? It's hard enough right now.
Don;t let sureshs hear that. He's the next FedererDon't you have to be within the top 100 to even be in contention for GOAT?
From just a physical standpoint though, the guy has been blessed with more than any player I've ever seen. Size, length, speed, agility, you name it, he's got it. Imagine if any of the Big 4 had Monfils physical makeup. How would you get anything by them? It's hard enough right now.
Gael can electrify the crowd when he gets an opportunity to chase something down and hit a crazy pass. However, as far as functional court movement is concerned, Monfils is not the cream of the crop. He is probably the fastest sprinter on tour (Murray I heard is very fast as well), but his lanky frame does get in the way of his ability to change directions. So often I have seen Monfils stumble awkwardly or make extreme moves just to keep his footing in a rally. Nadal and Djokovic might not be as explosive or cut as Monfils, but they have a better combo of movement skills (speed, footwork, balance) that matter most in tennis.
Another very important point, Monfils has very poor stamina relative to the top 5. Surely, stamina counts as a physical gift as well.
He does not even have a great vertical leap. I heard it was in the low 30's.
You know you have an elite athlete when, even untrained, they can vert leap 45 inches or higher. Guys that do that have an insane percentage of fast-twitch fibres, and they would excel at whatever sport you dump them in. Monfils is not one of these guys.
Talent rankings
1)Rafael Nadal
2)Juan Martin del Potro
3)Gael Monfis
4)Ernest Gulbis
5)Andrew Murray
LOL
102. Del Potro
And monfils is #1 let's be honest
2009 US Open Final, both Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro played at their absolute best. Look who won, watch the 5th set.
The guys physic is nothing compared to djokovic.
He does not even have a great vertical leap. I heard it was in the low 30's.
You know you have an elite athlete when, even untrained, they can vert leap 45 inches or higher. Guys that do that have an insane percentage of fast-twitch fibres, and they would excel at whatever sport you dump them in. Monfils is not one of these guys.
His knees are bent. Mentally move his leg to a vertical position, and you'll see that's not a very good vertical.
I suppose perspective is everything.Monfils is no doubt one of the most physically gifted tennis player ever, but his mental approach, and tennis IQ are severely lacking.
His knees are bent. Mentally move his leg to a vertical position, and you'll see that's not a very good vertical.
THIS is a good vertical, even with bent knees.