Watch: Monfils On Giving Back

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Gael Monfils is an athlete who appreciates his audience.

After practice sessions and matches, Monfils is often at the center of a swarm of fans seeking selfies and autographs.

Watch: 5 Players Who Can Break Big 4 Dominance at US Open

The reigning Washington, DC champion seems to genuinely enjoy giving back to his supporters.

There’s a reason Monfils is so acrobatic on court and accommodating off court: gratitude for fans.

“I think it’s the way I am. It’s the way I’ve been raised,” Monfils told the media before his Citi Open opener. “Someone gives you something you have to say thanks.

"I think fans are very important. It’s because of them, actually, we’re shining actually. I think fans are very important. I think to take a few minutes, it’s the minimum we can do.”

The sixth-seeded Monfils launches his Washington, DC title defense against qualifier Yuki Bhambri tonight.

Here's a look back at Monfils' adventurous run to the 2016 Citi Open title.