Video: Monfils barely misses acrobatic shot of the year against Anderson

Already known as one of the most acrobatic players on tour, Gael Monfils athleticism was on full display in his third round match against Kevin Anderson at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells tournament.

With the Frenchman serving for the first set at 5-4, Anderson had an opportunity to put away an overhead as he approached the net. As Monfils struggled to get back in position, Anderson hit an overhead that should have been a winner against anyone else. However, Monfils speed and athleticism came into play as the World No.18 raced across the court, jumped several feet in the air and returned the smash with one of his own. The shot whizzed past Anderson, who was stranded at the net, but missed the line by a few inches.

The Frenchman and entire crowd were in disbelief, as it was indeed proven to be out when Monfils challenged the call. Nonetheless, that could have been the shot of the year had it landed within the boundaries of the court. Monfils would later go on to win the match 7-5 6-2, improving to a 15-15 match win record in 2021.