Has Gael Monfils Finally Found the Balance Between Flash and Focus?

Gael Monfils, the tennis world’s ultimate showman, is finally performing the balancing act fans longed to see. After years of dazzling tennis fans with acrobatic shots and defensive wizardry, Monfils seems to have found focus without losing his flash.

On Sunday, Monfils defeated Ivo Karlovic  5-7, 7-6(6), 6-4 to win the Citi Open. It was the Frenchman’s first ATP World Tour title in two years.

Despite having skipped the French Open, Monfils sits at No. 9 on the Singles Race to London this year.

Against Karlovic, Monfils fought off a match point to force a third set. The comeback reflects a subtle change in Monfils’ game. He’s still La Monf, the French magician who pulls winners out of thin air. He still walks with swagger and celebrates with youthful exuberance.

However, this reset Monfils model is more measured. The brilliance, talent and athleticism remain, but the implosion tendencies have subsided.

What’s missing? Indifference. Unlike most players who self-destruct, tighten up or melt down, Monfils has a tendency to simply disappear in matches. Oh yeah, his body was on the court, but his thoughts and attention appeared to drift away.

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