NEW YORK—Gael Monfils is one of tennis’ leading leapers, but the flying Frenchman wasn’t inspired to new heights watching tennis.
The explosive Monfils, who will face 24th-seeded Matteo Berrettini in tomorrow’s US Open quarterfinals, said his desire to elevate came from hardwood heroes Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls teammate Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson.
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“Never watched tennis, to be honest with you,” Monfils said. “Never watched tennis. In tennis, no. But basketball, yes. I saw couple guys.
“I used to definitely like Iverson when he was young, Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman. Those guys, it was fun for me. I couldn't understand what they say because I couldn't speak English. My parents either. But just to see them doing what they doing was great. Yeah, that's cool.”
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